Noni Madueke’s equaliser rescued Chelsea in a 1-1 draw towards 10-man Nottingham Forest that ended the Blues’ five-match profitable run on Sunday. Enzo Maresca’s facet fell behind to Chris Wood’s strike early within the second half at Stamford Bridge. England winger Madueke hauled Chelsea stage however the hosts could not discover a winner regardless of their numerical benefit within the closing levels. Forest needed to play the final 12 minutes with 10 males after James Ward-Prowse was despatched off. Chelsea had received their earlier three league video games — and 5 in all competitions — to boost hopes that Maresca is the person to carry the west Londoners out of their lengthy malaise. Being held by Forest was a setback however Chelsea nonetheless go into the worldwide break in fourth place within the Premier League.
Maresca insists Chelsea should not able to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal for the title, however they’ve established themselves as candidates for a prime 4 end.
The Italian demonstrated Chelsea’s enviable energy in depth by fielding a completely modified beginning line-up for Thursday’s 4-2 Europa Conference League win over Gent.
Once once more, he made a number of adjustments however with much less success this time.
Chelsea performed songs picked by every of their gamers over the stadium tannoy earlier than kick-off as a part of the membership’s try to boost the matchday expertise.
Joao Felix chosen Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Jadon Sancho opted for “Too Fast” by Future.
But for lengthy durations on a colorless afternoon in west London, Chelsea’s stars have been distinctly out of tune.
Chelsea have been lucky to not fall behind when Murillo’s stinging shot was palmed away by Robert Sanchez.
It took Maresca’s males till three minutes earlier than half-time earlier than they lastly examined Forest keeper Matz Sels.
Madueke’s effort was pushed away by Sels, who scrambled to his toes to avoid wasting Enzo Fernandez’s shot from the rebound.
Sels repelled Cole Palmer’s low shot moments later, alertly grabbing the unfastened ball earlier than it might roll over the road.
But Chelsea’s flurry of jabs late within the first half have been adopted by a smack within the mouth simply 4 minutes after the interval.
Nikola Milenkovic flicked a Forest free-kick in the direction of Wood and the New Zealand striker prodded dwelling from close-range for his fourth aim this season.
Elliot Anderson pressured Sanchez to make an excellent save as Chelsea staggered on the ropes.
The Blues punched again within the 57th minute, with Madueke surging onto Palmer’s go within the Forest space earlier than planting a advantageous end previous Sels.
Madueke ought to have accomplished Chelsea’s comeback when Sancho’s go discovered the winger in area, however his shot blazed over.
Already on a reserving, Ward-Prowse’s despairing seize on Nicolas Jackson triggered his 78th minute purple card, however crucially it stopped the Senegal striker from snatching the winner.
Palmer was twice denied by Sels within the closing minutes and Felix squandered a golden alternative in 13 minutes of stoppage-time, heading large from Pedro Neto’s cross.
Sanchez saved out Neco Williams’ effort earlier than Sels denied Christopher Nkunku in a tense finale that left Chelsea annoyed.
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