Chelsea Overpower Forest to Intensify Scrutiny on Struggling Postecoglou

Plagued by injuries, Chelsea piled on the woes for Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou on Saturday, overcoming a shaky opening 45 minutes to dominate and secure a 3-0 victory.

Youngster Josh Acheampong nodded in the opener for the away side soon after the restart, followed by Pedro Neto's stunning free-kick that flipped the game's momentum entirely.

Postecoglou, who parted ways with Tottenham back in June, remains without a win in eight outings across all tournaments at Forest, pushing the limits of owner Evangelos Marinakis's tolerance.

Sitting a single point clear of the drop zone at kick-off, Forest squandered multiple openings in the initial period, aided by some erratic defending from Chelsea.

However, they could not convert, allowing Enzo Maresca's squad to build momentum as the contest progressed.

Chelsea missed key starters like Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, and Enzo Fernandez, with Moises Caicedo beginning on the sidelines.

Maresca observed from the stands at the City Ground, having earned a ban for his exuberant reactions during the prior triumph over Liverpool ahead of the internationals.

Forest Opportunities

Elliot Anderson missed an initial chance to open the scoring for Forest but opted against a left-footed effort in a promising spot, only to lose possession upon twisting inward.

Morgan Gibbs-White blasted wide from distance and later fluffed a near-post effort, unable to elevate the lofted delivery.

Chelsea nearly struck first just before the interval, yet Andrey Santos sliced his finish just astray after Joao Pedro looped the ball beyond the defence, leaving Maresca clutching his head.

Pedro Neto sent a drive high as Chelsea ended the half on the ascendancy.

At the interval, Maresca introduced a trio of substitutes in Caicedo, Jamie Gittens, and Marc Guiu, yielding quick dividends.

The away team forged ahead as Neto delivered a tempting delivery for backliner Acheampong, who rose to score his maiden professional strike in the 49th minute.

Merely three minutes passed before Neto bent his set-piece over the barrier of crimson jerseys, eluding the futile stretch of Matz Sels for 2-0.

Forest sought a response past the hour, but Neco Williams fired high from near quarters, while goalkeeper Robert Sanchez smartly blocked a nod from Nikola Milenkovic.

Replacement Igor Jesus nearly halved the deficit, his acrobatic attempt smacking the crossbar's base and rebounding off the upright.

Late in proceedings, Chelsea skipper Reece James netted the third on his 200th outing for the side, slotting from close range after the ball fell kindly from a set-piece.

This prompted a swift exodus from the City Ground, with Postecoglou appearing thoughtful along the sideline.

Chelsea's Malo Gusto received a second booking for marching orders, underlining the youthful side's ongoing disciplinary woes, though the points propelled them to fourth spot, trailing frontrunners Arsenal by only two.

Postecoglou stood firm in Friday's media briefing, insisting that with sufficient backing at any team, it invariably concludes with success and silverware for him.

Yet opportunities dwindle for the Australian to revive fortunes at Forest, who ended the previous campaign in seventh under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Sean Dyche, ex-Burnley and Everton chief, is said to be among candidates eyeing Postecoglou's role.

Marinakis vacated his position with 25 minutes remaining, a possible harbinger for the Forest manager.