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Forest go 10 games unbeaten, boost survival hopes, and inflict sixth straight defeat on Chelsea

Nottingham Forest go 10 games unbeaten, boost their survival hopes, and inflict a sixth straight defeat on Chelsea.

Taiwo Awoniyi and a penalty by Igor Jesus had Forest 2-0 up after 15 minutes at Stamford Bridge, Cole Palmer missed a penalty before Awoniyi made it 3-0 on 52 minutes.

Joao Pedro gave Chelsea something to cheer about with a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time as a consolation for the Blues.

There was also concern for 18 year old Jesse Derry, after he was carried off on stretcher with head injury following a clash of heads with Forest’s Zach Abbott.

Chelsea said in a statement that Derry was taken to hospital as a precaution, he is conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks.

The result sees Forest 16th with 42 points from 35 games played, 6 points above the drop zone, putting pressure on Tottenham and West Ham in the fight for survival.

Chelsea are 9th with 48 points from 35 games played, European hopes fading fast and as risk of falling into the bottom half of the table.

Callum McFarlane, said to Sky Sports, per BBC Sport’s live blog: “A really disappointing result and performance. The first 15 minutes was not good enough. That set the tone.

“Its hard to say [why it went wrong at the moment, I’d probably like to review the game to look at such a stark contract to the way we defended against Leeds.

“Enzo Fernandez hits the post and Cole Palmer misses the penalty; when you have such a bad start you need those kind of moments to go in your favour and unfortunately they didn’t.”

Are they a difficult team to coach? “I wouldn’t say that. I don’t think we lacked effort and commitment. We got into some good situations in the second half, it wasn’t down to a lack of effort.

“We believe we will [stop the ‘rot’] we see the lads every day and they are doing everything they can. We need to move on quickly and it’s about responding now.”

McFarlane, speaking to Sky Sports about Jesse Derry: “The update is that he is in a good condition. I need to fully speak to the medical team but it’s positive signs.”

Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira spoke to Sky Sports: “The only thing I’m sad about is the injury of [Morgan] Gibbs-White. The speed of the team, we can change the players, but the speed will be there. We are a team that want to keep our future in our hands and to do that we need to win games and not to be worried with the results of the other teams. If we win, we keep the distance and today another game, they proved again the speed, the quality and organisation. I am very happy for them and the players and the supporters.

“One thing we are doing well is our pressure, we are organised. When we play these teams that put a lot of players in the middle it is important to close the space inside. We have players that can score goals in different ways, not a clean sheet but a fantastic goal from Joao Pedro. But I’m very happy because we showed again strong spirit and showed this is a special group. It’s difficult to deal with four managers, different methodologies and different demands, tactical demands. It’s difficult to keep them united and keep them with friendship and they are one of the best groups I have worked with in my career.”

What does Taiwo Awoniyi bring: “Everything – Taiwo is a danger player. He is not on the list in the Europa League but we know he will push the defensive line of the opponents because he runs, attacks the space, holds the ball and this is the kind of spirit and the smile and energy we need in this team.”

On Europa League match against Aston Villa later this week: “I’m sure that we will go to play a very difficult game. We go with energy, spirit and fight to the last minute. I’m sure about that – the players that we have for the first XI and also I know the players on the bench will come with fire to help the team.”

Nottingham Forest goalscorer Taiwo Awoniyi said to Sky Sports: “Football is a team game, everyone needs to be ready and it’s not about everyone starting it’s about the team.

“We came here with the mentality to win, good ball from [Dilane] Bakwa [for his goal] as well and the way we started the game, we had more of the ball, brilliant from the team.

“Kudos to the manager and the staff – not only the people on the ground but the nutritionists, physio. It’s all about the team and looking forward to the next game. I believe it could be an amazing season for us.”

 Forest keeper Matz Sels spoke to Sky Sports about his penalty save: “A good moment just before half time and they [Chelsea] were coming back in the game. I was happy to help the team in a crucial moment and this win is massive for us, still three games to play not yet done but we’re almost there now.”

On the team’s performance: “In the last few weeks we did really well, didn’t lose a lot of games. We are doing well, the gaffer brings a lot of positive energy. He changed a lot of players today but [Dilane] Bakwa, Taiwo [Awoniyi] they performed really well. Really happy for them because they don’t always play but they’ve showed they can be there so really happy for these guys.”

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro speaking to Sky Sports: “From the beginning, we conceded too early and against Forest it’s difficult to change the game. I think we should do better.

“We need to find a way to try to not do these mistakes every game. We need to start to win games. This is the Premier League and if you concede too early after that it’s very difficult to come back.

“Everyone needs to look at themselves – me included. We need to find a way to do better. I feel sorry for the fans – tomorrow we see what has gone wrong.

“It’s difficult because I don’t think it’s about the coach. It’s about the players and it’s on us to step up, me included. It’s difficult to say something.”

Do players realise need to step up? “Yes of course. We support the leaders [in the team]. We always talk to each other to find a way to win games. Last week we won against Leeds, this week it didn’t happen, we need to find a way to win.

“The motivation is always there – today if we won we would be able to be in the Champions League. Now will be more difficult but we need to still fight for every game and for every point and see what we can achieve.”

Here’s the social media reaction after Forest go 10 games unbeaten, boost their survival hopes, and inflict a sixth straight defeat on Chelsea…

@jamieallan1998: Perfect day 😁 onto Thursday now, absolutely massive!!

@joel_francis363: What a win. Villa next 🙂‍↔️

@BenHarries: Really tough for West Ham to catch us now. Really hope the four head injuries, especially Derry are ok. MGW looked more like a blood injury than a concussion but that’s a concern for Thursday. Awoniyi and Yates were fantastic.

@shaunha46565075: Big T, bakwa, mcatee, morato all good players. They’ve now got a manager who makes them feel like they can contribute and are starting to prove a few people wrong myself included. Massive result.

@JustDaveNFFC: Brilliant. Fair fucks to Bakwa Mcatee & co. We’re nearly there. COYR 👏🏻👏🏻

@henjohansen1: Never had any doubts when I saw the starting lineup, easy peasy! 🤣🤣🤣 I promise I will never question Vitor’s decisions, what a job he has done with the squad! A lot should go wrong now, but it doesn’t, massive win! Hope MGW is ok for Thursday, YOU REDS! 💪🏻⚽️🔴⚪️❤️

@munsterforest:
So happy with that result
So happy with that performance
So happy for this team, this club
Uuuuuuuuu reds ❤️ #nffc #coyr

@NFFCMATCHDAYS01: Massive 3 points yet again couldn’t be much better than that Taiwo is a legend, wish a speedy recovery for MGW and Abbott and best wishes for both Chelsea players involved. On the bright side we have a full strength side against Villa #NFFC

@mallyslife_: What a monumental result that is, excellent performance too. Got our lead and were solid throughout. The lads who came in did to a man were fantastic. Shut many of us up who doubted #NFFC #COYR

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