Acting manager McFarlane supports Chelsea squad following Nottingham Forest loss

Chelseas chances of securing a spot in the Champions League are now in serious doubt after the heavy defeat at home against Nottingham Forest.

Taiwo Awoniyi celebrated his 100th game for Forest by scoring the initial goal early on, and Igor Jesus soon made it two with a spot kick.

Cole Palmer added to Chelseas troubles by failing to convert a penalty towards the end of the opening period.

Awoniyi netted once more in the second half, while Joao Pedros impressive overhead kick right at the end offered little comfort to the underwhelming Chelsea side.

Sitting in ninth position, Chelseas poor streak of form puts them at risk of missing out on next years Champions League qualification.

Chelsea, scheduled to play Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 16th, have now endured six straight league defeats, a sequence not seen since 1993.

"A very disheartening outcome and display. Our play in the opening 15 minutes fell well short of expectations. It dictated the entire match," McFarlane commented.

"Its tough to pinpoint the reason. I would prefer to analyse the footage to understand the sharp difference from our solid defending against Leeds in the previous match.

"Enzo Fernandez struck the woodwork and Cole Palmer squandered the penalty; after such a poor beginning, you require those key chances to turn your way, but sadly they did not.

"Its hugely frustrating. We recognise our true quality exceeds what we produced today. I feel we never reached our usual standard."

Amid ongoing rumours that Chelseas key players showed little dedication under Liam Roseniors short tenure, McFarlane insisted his team is still fully engaged.

"I wouldnt agree with that. Effort and dedication were not missing from our game," he stated.

"We are confident in them, as we observe the players daily putting in maximum work. We must push forward rapidly and focus on bouncing back.

"As I have mentioned previously, we simply must raise our standards from this showing and prepare for the next fixture in just five days."

Compounding Chelseas difficulties, young forward Jesse Derry had to be carried off on a stretcher during his debut start, after sustaining a head knock while earning the penalty that Palmer failed to score from.

"Hes doing well from what we know. I plan to consult the medical staff thoroughly, but the initial reports are encouraging," McFarlane remarked about Derry.