Chelsea began 2023 by dropping points to struggling Nottingham Forest with a disappointing 1-1 draw
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea first round
Nottingham Forest started the game on the front foot and it became clear that they had a plan to absorb Chelsea’s pressure and attack on the counter attack.
Morgan Gibbs-White sent a pass to Brennan Johnson, who saw both efforts saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga. Johnson then set up Gibbs-White, whose strike was blocked by Cesar Azpilicueta.
However, it was the away side that broke the deadlock in fortuitous fashion, as Willy Boly accidentally diverted Christian Pulisic’s cross to the crossbar with a back-heeled clearance attempt, and Raheem Sterling fired in the rebound to put Chelsea 1-0 up.
Forest looked more than up for the fight against the more accomplished visitors, and backed by a vociferous crowd, they went into the halftime break hopeful of a comeback.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea second round
The Blues looked nervous after the restart, and Kepa was forced to deny Taiwo Awoniyi after the Nigerian was played through on goal by Remo Freuler. Gibbs-White then picked out Johnson, and Kepa called back to keep out an angled drive.
Forest continued to push and Morgan Gibbs-White rattled the crossbar with a stinging effort to wake up the home fans.
A worthy equalizer came just after the hour mark from Gibbs-White’s corner courtesy of Serge Aurier, who appeared in the box to chest the ball down and power a brilliant volley through Kepa.
Both teams are trying to find the title but Chelsea will be relieved to leave with a point after a poor performance and remain eighth in the Premier League table.