Nottingham Forest face final-day drama after Chelsea defeat - 5 talking points
Nicolas Jackson's late strike ensured Chelsea's European aspirations remained alive while confining Nottingham Forest to another week of Premier League uncertainty, as the Blues came away 3-2 victors.
Chelsea wasted little time in breaking the deadlock at the City Ground as Cole Palmer showed his class with a well-weighted through ball to Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukraine international showed no signs of the inconsistency he has offered this term to cut into the box and finish with plenty of composure after just eight minutes.
A clumsy foul from Benoit Badiashile as Forest broke forward allowed Morgan Gibbs-White to show his set piece quality. The former Wolves ace found Willy Boly, whose header deflected off Conor Gallagher and past Djordje Petrovic to level the scores in the opening half.
Callum Hudson-Odoi proved a constant menace to his former side in the second period challenging Trevoh Chalobah and Malo Gusto on Chelsea's right. The winger cut inside to finish well from the edge of the box to hand his side the lead. Premier League safety looked to be assured for the home side but the drama did not end there.
Substitute Raheem Sterling hit back with 10 minutes remaining and the returning Reece James delivered an assist to Jackson to complete an unlikely comeback. Here are the talking points from the City Ground...
1. Callum Hudson-Odoi almost haunts Chelsea
It was a narrative that was always going to be difficult to overcome; Hudson-Odoi had too much quality not to punish his former team. It may have been the correct time to depart Stamford Bridge last summer as he was signed for a paltry £5million but that fee can only look like a coup in contrast to to the £1bn spend of the Blues. The Forest star, who endured a difficult loan at Bayer Leverkusen last term, has grown into the season at his new club and has now bagged three goals in his last two matches. The 23-year-old looks set to show his very best once again.
2. Charge for Europe?
With a Newcastle draw 45 minutes before things kicked off at CIty Ground, Chelsea knew they had an opportunity to really put the pressure on in the race for sixth place. "It is important for us. It is an important objective to try to be in Europe and of course, we are focusing on the next game," said Pochettino in his pre-match press conference.
A win would draw them level with the Magpies in the knowledge that Manchester United play Arsenal on Sunday. Chelsea's rivals for Europe also play each other in midweek. The Blues drew plaudits from owner Todd Boehly for their performances in the last two-and-a-half games, something Pochettino could not help but laugh about in the aftermath. The US businessman would have been happy with Saturday's turnaround.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea scores a header to make it 2-3 during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea FC at City Ground on May 11, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Copa/Getty Images)
Forest were the better team for large stretches as Chelsea showed an inability to control the game. The west London side's turnaround has been undeniable but a record of two wins in 12 away from home coming into the match is perhaps telling of how they have been unable to kick on further this term. Coming back at the City Ground may be the biggest sign yet that Chelsea are improving and on their way back. Europa League? They might just get there.
3. Cole Palmer continues to prove class
Fresh from being winning April's Premier League player of the month and being nominated for player of the season, Palmer wasted little time in reminding anyone in attendance of his quality. Recent months have seen the former Man City star draw plaudits for his goalscoring ability and challenging Erling aaland in the race for the Golden Boot.
The Chelsea talisman has a decent eye for a pass too and notched his 10th assist of the season when releasing Mudryk. No Premier League star has contributed to more goals than Palmer this term and he has become just the fourth player in Premier League history to score 20 or more goals and provide 10 or most assists in a debut season for a club. The 22-year-old is only the third Blues player to complete the feat in a single season after Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. Not bad company.
4. Mauricio Pochettino's position
The Chelsea boss looked to put the power back in his hands in his press conference ahead of the game and revealed that perhaps he could walk away this summer rather than being sacked. That bite has accompanied Chelsea's recent uptick in form and even got some fans on side along the way.
A manager's agency comes with victories however and his words would take on greater strength if the Blues could come away with a win. Pochettino called for Chelsea's owners to 'kill the rumours' over his future and admitted speculation was impacting people around the club. A defeat might leave little clamour for him to retain his position. A win and a chance at Europa League football ensures his message to the owners and sporting directors is a stronger one.
Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, interacts with fourth official Craig Pawson during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea FC
5. Safety secured?
Without their four-point deduction, Nottingham Forest's safety would have already been guaranteed. After Luton Town's defeat to West Ham on Saturday, Nuno Espirito Santo's side were all but guaranteed a place in the Premier League next term. A 13-goal advantage will have left Forest feeling comfortable but securing safety on their own terms at the City Ground would be all the more satisfying. That was not possible on Saturday. The wait should not be too nervous next weekend but the final day is always unpredictable.
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