Chelsea start 2023 by dropping points against Forest

Chelsea did not start 2023 in the best way. The Blues dropped points on their visit to the City Ground against a brave Nottingham Forest side who picked up a crucial point to help them fight their way out of the relegation zone.

At the start of the game the London side faced a tough nut to crack, as relegation-placed Nottingham Forest were in serious need of points. However, as the minutes ticked by the Blues took control of the game keeping possession of the ball.

Former Manchester City player Sterling gave the visitors the lead in the 16th minute. Pulisic's cross from the right flank was deflected by Nottingham Forest defender Boly and the ball hit the crossbar. Sterling, unmarked inside the box, made the most from the rebound and pushed the ball into the net. 

However, Nottingham Forest, far from throwing in the towel, started the second half determined to cause Chelsea's defence problems. The Tricky Trees' first warning came in the 49th minute. Gibbs-White found Johnson with space on the left flank. The Forest player drove the ball and once inside the box, shot across the face of goal but Kepa managed to parry the ball out.

After that, Gibbs-White almost scores the equaliser in the 55th minute. Yates received on the left flank and squared the ball to the edge of the box and Gibbs-White's thumping shot hit the crossbar.

Finally, the equaliser came in the 65th minute. After a rebound inside the area following Forest's corner, Aurier controlled the ball with his chest in the six-yard box and beat Kepa with a shot from close range between his legs.

 

January 1, 2023