Nottingham Forest boosted their Premier League survival hopes as Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice in a 3-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Forest, despite making several changes, took control early and moved six points clear of the relegation zone with the result, leaving Chelsea to a sixth straight league defeat.
Vitor Pereira rotated his squad ahead of a European fixture, but his side showed intent from the start. Awoniyi opened the scoring in the second minute, heading in from Dilane Bakwa’s cross after finding space in the box.
Forest extended their lead in the 15th minute after Awoniyi was brought down in the area by Malo Gusto while attempting to reach another delivery from Bakwa. Igor Jesus converted the penalty after a VAR check confirmed the decision.
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Chelsea had chances to respond before the break. Enzo Fernandez struck the post, while Matz Sels saved a penalty from Cole Palmer after a stoppage caused by a head injury to Jesse Derry following a collision with Zach Abbott.
The hosts made changes at half-time, introducing Liam Delap and Levi Colwill, but Forest added a third goal seven minutes into the second half. Awoniyi completed his brace by finishing from close range after a low cross from Morgan Gibbs-White.
The match was later disrupted by another head collision involving Gibbs-White and Robert Sanchez, with both players forced off for treatment.
Chelsea thought they had pulled one back earlier when Joao Pedro found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The forward eventually scored in stoppage time with an overhead kick to end the team’s run without a league goal.
The result leaves Forest in 16th place with improved chances of avoiding relegation, while Chelsea remain in mid-table and continue to struggle for consistency.
Forest’s performance extended their unbeaten run in all competitions and underlined the impact of squad rotation, even with several regular players rested.
However, there are concerns over Gibbs-White’s availability for upcoming matches after his injury.
Chelsea now face a race to finish the season strongly, with European qualification still uncertain, while Forest turn their focus to their next fixtures as they look to secure their top-flight status.
