The Premier League roared back to life after the international break with Chelsea's visit to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The Blues aimed to capitalize on their dramatic, last-gasp victory over Liverpool, while Forest desperately needed a win to alleviate the mounting pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou. Ultimately, Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory, with Levi Colwill's second-half goal proving the difference.
Chelsea entered the match with a lengthy injury list. Cole Palmer was ruled out until December with a groin issue, and Benoit Badiashile was also sidelined until December. Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Pedro Neto were all doubts leading up to the game. Ultimately, Neto was deemed fit enough to start, Caicedo was on the bench, and Fernandez was absent from the squad. However, there was positive news for Chelsea as Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, and Andrey Santos returned to the squad after recovering from their respective injuries. Adding to Chelsea's challenges, manager Enzo Maresca served a touchline ban due to his exuberant celebrations against Liverpool. Willy Caballero took charge of the team from the sidelines in Maresca's absence.
Nottingham Forest also had their share of injury concerns. Ola Aina remained sidelined after undergoing hamstring surgery. However, there were positive updates as Murillo, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Douglas Luiz were all fit and available. Chris Wood also recovered from a knock he sustained while on international duty with New Zealand.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Pedro Neto and Chris Wood both volleyed over the bar from promising positions. Chelsea upped the tempo after the break, and their pressure paid off just five minutes into the second half. Neto capitalized on a poor clearance by Forest, rolling the ball across the goal for Levi Colwill to tap home. Forest attempted to respond, but Chelsea defended resolutely, denying them any clear opportunities. Chris Wood had a late chance, but he missed the target under pressure from Tosin Adarabioyo.
Chelsea's victory secured a valuable three points and continued their momentum after the win against Liverpool. The result also propelled them further up the Premier League table. For Nottingham Forest and Ange Postecoglou, the defeat compounded their woes. The team has failed to win any of their opening seven matches, increasing the scrutiny on Postecoglou's position.
The match was broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK.
