Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, 18 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Chelsea delivered a commanding performance at the City Ground, securing a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The Blues, who had previously beaten Liverpool and lost to Brighton, showed their strength with goals in the second half that sealed the win. For Nottingham Forest, this loss marks their third consecutive defeat, having also lost to Newcastle and Sunderland in their recent outings. The result was not entirely surprising given Forest's form, but the margin of defeat might raise concerns for their manager as they struggle to find their footing in the league.

The game's turning point came early in the second half, with Chelsea's quick succession of goals putting them firmly in control. Nottingham Forest, despite having a decent share of possession, failed to convert their opportunities into goals, a recurring theme in their recent matches. Chelsea's clinical finishing and solid defensive display highlighted the difference in quality between the two sides. This result extends Chelsea's positive run and puts additional pressure on Nottingham Forest to turn their fortunes around.

The statistics from the match reflect Chelsea's dominance, with a slight edge in possession at 51% compared to Forest's 49%. Despite having fewer corners, Chelsea's efficiency in front of goal was evident, while Forest's five corners did not translate into scoring opportunities. Chelsea's higher successful dribble percentage (47% to Forest's 40%) further underscores their control of the game. The disciplinary record, with Chelsea receiving four yellow cards and one red card compared to Forest's two yellows, suggests a more aggressive approach from the visitors, which did not hinder their performance.

Chelsea's first goal came in the 49th minute, setting the tone for the second half. This was quickly followed by another goal just three minutes later, effectively putting the game out of reach for Nottingham Forest. The third and final goal in the 84th minute sealed the victory for Chelsea, showcasing their ability to maintain pressure throughout the match. These key moments were pivotal, as they not only secured the win but also highlighted Chelsea's superior finishing and tactical execution.

The absence of key moments from Nottingham Forest's side in the data suggests they struggled to create significant chances or impact the game's outcome. Chelsea's goals were well-timed and came at crucial points, allowing them to control the tempo and ultimately secure a comfortable victory. The lack of response from Forest after conceding early in the second half was telling, as they were unable to mount a comeback.

Nottingham Forest lined up in a 5-3-2 formation, with Matz Sels in goal and a back five of Neco Williams, Nikola Milenković, Morato, Murillo, and Oleksandr Zinchenko. The midfield trio of Douglas Luiz, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Elliot Anderson provided support, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi led the attack. The lineup did not feature any notable surprises, but the team's inability to convert possession into goals was a concern. The four substitutions made during the match did not have the desired impact, as Forest failed to find a way back into the game.

Chelsea opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robert Sánchez between the posts and a backline of Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella. The midfield was anchored by Malo Gusto and Roméo Lavia, with Pedro Neto, Andrey Santos, and Alejandro Garnacho supporting João Pedro up front. The lineup was well-balanced, and the five substitutions made during the match allowed Chelsea to maintain their momentum. Reece James, in particular, stood out with his goal and assist, contributing significantly to the team's success.

Reece James is Coral's Man of the Match, and his performance justified this accolade. Scoring one goal and providing one assist, James was instrumental in Chelsea's victory. His two key passes further highlight his influence on the game, as he not only contributed directly to the scoring but also played a crucial role in creating opportunities for his teammates.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Loss: 0-3 vs Chelsea (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Newcastle United (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Sunderland (H)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Win: 3-0 vs Nottingham Forest (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Liverpool (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Sitting in 18th place with 5 points, Nottingham Forest face Porto in the Europa League on October 23, 2025, at 20:00. This result against Chelsea will likely prompt a reassessment of their strategy, as they look to climb out of the relegation zone. A positive performance against Porto could be crucial in boosting their confidence and turning their season around.

The search is now on for a new manager with Forrest sacking Postecoglou within 20 minutes of this defeat to Chelsea.

With 14 points, Chelsea are in 6th place and will take on Ajax on October 22, 2025, at 20:00 in the UEFA Champions League. This convincing win over Nottingham Forest should give them confidence as they prepare for their next challenge. Maintaining their current form will be key as they aim to continue climbing the league table domestically and in Europe.

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