• Match review

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea: Blues start 2023 with frustrating stalemate

Nottingham Forest
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Chelsea missed out on a golden opportunity to claim the seventh spot in the Premier League table.

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest in their Premier League game on Sunday. Another uninspiring attacking display saw the Blues drop points at City Ground.

Forest take Chelsea by surprise

Chelsea started the game by looking for a quick breakthrough as they attacked relentlessly from both sides.

Raheem Sterling converted a rebound from close range in the 16th minute as the Blues found a fantastic start to the game.

But Graham Potter’s men quickly lost their initial tempo after the goal. The Blues remained in charge of the possession but weren’t able to find spaces behind the hosts’ lines.

Forest looked much better in the second period, while Chelsea struggled to implement their high-pressing in midfield.

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The hosts put Chelsea’s backline under immense pressure at the start of the second period, forcing Kepa Arizabalaga to make a number of saves.

They eventually scored the equalizer when Serge Aurier found the back of the net three minutes past the hour-mark. The former Tottenham star smashed a half-volley into the back of the net to get Forest back into the game.

Chelsea tried to restore their lead by playing long balls in the final ten minutes. But their efforts never turned into serious goalscoring chances.

Chelsea remain in the eighth spot on the table as they prepare to lock horns with Manchester City in their next league game.

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