Chelsea started their 2023 by losing points to Nottingham Forest in a disappointing 1-1 draw
Nottingham Forest-Chelsea first part
Nottingham Forest started the game on the front foot and it was clear that they had a plan to absorb Chelsea’s pressure and hit them on the counter-attack.
Morgan Gibbs-White sent a pass to Brennan Johnson, who watched as Kepa Arrizabalaga saved her efforts. Johnson then became a provider for Gibbs-White, whose shot was blocked by César Azpilicueta.
However, it was the away team that broke the tie in fortuitous fashion, as Willy Boly inadvertently deflected Christian Pulisic’s cross off the crossbar with his attempted clearance, and Raheem Sterling fired off the rebound to put Chelsa up. 1-0 up.
Forest looked more than ready for a fight against their most successful visitors, and backed by a vociferous crowd, they went into the half-time break in hopes of a comeback.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea second half
The Blues looked nervous after the restart, and Kepa was forced to deny Taiwo Awoniyi after Remo Freuler edged past the Nigerian. Gibbs-White then went for Johnson, and Kepa sprang into action once more to stave off his angled attack.
Forest kept pushing and Morgan Gibbs-White rocked the crossbar with a stinging effort to wake up the home fans.
A deserved equalizer came shortly after the hour mark from a Gibbs-White corner courtesy of Serge Aurier, who composed himself in the box to chest the ball down and fire a brilliant volley past Kepa.
Both teams tried to go for the winner, but Chelsea will be relieved to walk away with a point after such a poor performance and they remain eighth in the Premier League table.
