LONDON — Nottingham Forest boosted their Premier League survival hopes with a convincing 3–1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, delivering a major blow to the Blues’ chances of qualifying for European football.
Taiwo Awoniyi was the standout performer, scoring twice on his 100th appearance for Forest as the visitors produced a disciplined and clinical display away from home.
Forest made a blistering start, taking the lead after just 97 seconds when Awoniyi rose highest to head in a precise cross from Dilane Bakwa. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 15th minute after a VAR review confirmed a penalty, which Igor Jesus converted confidently to make it 2–0.
Chelsea had chances to respond, with Enzo Fernández hitting the post, but their frustrations grew when Cole Palmer missed a first-half penalty, brilliantly saved by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
After the break, Forest sealed control of the match when Awoniyi struck again in the 52nd minute, finishing calmly from close range after a fine assist from Morgan Gibbs-White, despite Chelsea’s protests for offside.
Chelsea managed a late consolation through João Pedro’s spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time, but the result had already been decided as Stamford Bridge saw large sections of supporters leave early.
The defeat marked Chelsea’s sixth consecutive league loss, their worst run since 1993, leaving them in ninth place and struggling to keep their European hopes alive.
In contrast, Forest’s third straight league win moved them six points clear of the relegation zone, strengthening their survival bid with only a few matches remaining in the season.
