Chelsea got off to their worst start in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge for nine years when they faced Nottingham Forest.
Calum McFarlane’s first match in charge in West London couldn’t have started any worse when Taiwo Awoniyi headed home within two minutes, with questions asked of Chelsea’s centre-backs.
After just 15 minutes, a heavily-rotated Forest side were awarded a penalty for a shirt pull from Malo Gusto, which was converted by Igor Jesus.
Which Chelsea player was most at fault for the defeat to Nottingham Forest?
Chelsea go 2-0 down in quickest time at Stamford Bridge since 2017
Cole Palmer was unable to convert from the penalty spot after Jesse Derry’s brave efforts saw him stretchered off late in the first half.
Chelsea’s Premier League woes continued when Awoniyi scored early in the second half, however their nightmare opening quarter of an hour was even worse than anything Liam Rosenior had produced at Stamford Bridge.
In fact, it was the quickest Chelsea had fallen two goals behind at home since their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in 2017.
Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke scored in the first 11 minutes after Cesc Fabregas had actually given the Blues the lead.
Antonio Conte was in charge on that day, and Chelsea were still able to go on to win the Premier League that season. That feat is light years away right now.
Chelsea were able to break their nine-hour drought of not scoring through a fine bicycle kick from Joao Pedro in added time.
Chelsea fans, it’s time to have a discussion about Marc Cucurella…
Not good enough for Nottingham Forest's opener!
Chelsea in real danger of missing out on Europe completely
Chelsea were unable to climb above ninth in the league table following defeat to Forest, putting participation in any version of European football in real doubt.
Not even reaching the Conference League would be a massive blow for Chelsea on a financial front, especially at a time where they need to stay in line with UEFA’s regulations following their sanction last summer.
The last chance at salvaging any joy from the 2025/26 season would be winning the FA Cup final, where they will hopefully have club captain Reece James fit and ready to go.
There was a first appearance of the season for Levi Colwill at the back, brought on at half-time after very poor performances from Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo.
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