Nottingham Forest ease past dismal Chelsea to close in on Premier League safety

Temporary Chelsea manager Calum McFarlane secured an FA Cup semi-final victory against Leeds United in his debut match, yet any hint of a fresh start vanished within the opening two minutes.

Dilane Bakwa delivered a precise cross for Taiwo Awoniyi, who leaped to head the ball neatly beyond Robert Sanchez, capitalising on Vitor Pereira’s extensive team alterations.

Enzo Fernandez nearly equalised swiftly, but his curling shot hit the far post, and the situation deteriorated rapidly for the home team.

A further delivery from the right flank appeared to unsettle Malo Gusto, who fouled Awoniyi, prompting the VAR to grant a spot-kick without hesitation. Igor Jesus slotted it home, leaving the supporters stunned by another humiliating setback.

Morato remained the sole defender from Nottingham Forest’s continental efforts, and at 24, he was the most seasoned presence in a rear guard that included Luca Netz’s complete first appearance and just a second top-flight outing for the 19-year-old Zach Abbott.

An error born of youth from the defender offered Chelsea an undeserved opportunity to re-enter the fray just before the interval, as he challenged newcomer Jesse Derry for the ball, resulting in a severe head collision.

The incident caused a 10-minute delay while the Chelsea prospect was carried off on a stretcher, and Cole Palmer failed to compose himself, with Matz Sels making a sharp stop from the penalty area.

Levi Colwill’s much-anticipated comeback provided a positive beginning to the second period, but it was the visitors’ substitutes who proved more impactful, as Morgan Gibbs-White entered to set up Awoniyi’s brace after a VAR review confirmed no offside infringement.

The midfielder’s involvement was brief, though, following another heavy impact that required both him and Chelsea’s Sanchez to leave the pitch.

Joao Pedro believed he had finally broken his side’s nine-hour Premier League scoring absence, but the potential reply was disallowed for being offside.

Eventually, he did halt the miserable barren spell in added time, executing it with flair via a stunning overhead kick, though the outcome had been decided long before.

Chelsea have now endured six consecutive league losses, their poorest streak since a similar run in 1993, positioning them ninth, with a top-five finish now impossible.

Nottingham Forest are six points above the relegation places with three fixtures remaining, virtually assured of survival after seven straight unbeaten results, and their focus shifts to the UEFA Europa League semi-final return leg versus Aston Villa.