Taiwo Awoniyi marked his 100th appearance for Nottingham Forest in sensational fashion, scoring twice in a commanding 3–1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
- +Awoniyi brace fires Nottingham Forest past shambolic Chelsea
The result leaves the Blues’ Champions League hopes hanging by a thread and extends their miserable run to six consecutive league defeats, their worst since 1993.
The result leaves the Blues’ Champions League hopes hanging by a thread and extends their miserable run to six consecutive league defeats, their worst since 1993.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring early before Igor Jesus doubled Forest’s lead from the penalty spot. Cole Palmer missed a spot-kick for Chelsea late in the first half, compounding the hosts’ woes.
Awoniyi added his second after the break to seal the contest, while João Pedro’s late bicycle kick proved nothing more than a consolation for a lacklustre Chelsea side.
Now languishing in ninth place, Chelsea remain 10 points adrift of the top five with just three matches left, despite ending a five-game scoring drought.
Under Calum McFarlane, the Blues still retain a slim mathematical chance of qualification, sitting four points behind sixth-placed AFC Bournemouth.
Forest’s third successive league win lifts them six points clear of the relegation zone, with four more points likely enough to secure survival.
Manager Vítor Pereira rotated his squad amid European commitments, but the move paid off as Forest stretched their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions.
Chelsea’s turbulent season continues to raise concerns about long-term stability following the recent dismissal of Liam Rosenior. With performances declining and results worsening, the task of rebuilding confidence, both on and off the pitch, remains increasingly urgent.
