Awoniyi Brace fires Nottingham Forest past Chelsea in crucial survival push

By Abayomi Ademola

Nottingham Forest took a big step towards Premier League survival with a convincing 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, denting the Blues’ hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Taiwo Awoniyi made his 100th appearance for Forest, scoring twice, while Igor Jesus added a first-half penalty to seal the visitors’ third consecutive league victory.

Forest got off to a blistering start and took the lead just two minutes later. Dilane Bakwa sent in a cross that Awoniyi met with a powerful header from close range, exposing Chelsea’s poor defensive organisation.

Chelsea had an early chance to respond, but Enzo Fernández hit the post from distance. Their situation worsened in the 15th minute when Malo Gusto awarded a penalty for pulling Awoniyi’s shirt. After the VAR review, Jesús converted a penalty to double Bosque’s advantage.

The hosts were given a lifeline just before half-time when Zach Abbott fouled Jesse Derry in the box. However, Cole Palmer saw his penalty saved by Matz Sels, compounding a frustrating half for Chelsea.

Forest extended their lead early in the second half when Morgan Gibbs White set up Awoniyi for a simple finish, putting the game out of reach.

Chelsea grabbed a late consolation through Joao Pedro, who scored with an acrobatic overhead kick in added time, but that did little to mask another disappointing performance.

The result leaves Chelsea ninth in the table, 10 points behind fifth-placed Aston Villa, and four points behind sixth-placed Bournemouth, with only three games left to play. Their sixth consecutive league defeat marks their worst streak since 1993.

By contrast, Forest are moving further away from danger, now six points above the relegation zone and needing just four more points to secure top-flight status.