The Blues were forced to a draw (1-1) by Nottingham, a poorly ranked team.
The year 2023 starts badly for Chelsea. The Blues were indeed held in check this Sunday on the lawn of Nottingham (1-1). Chelsea had however opened the scoring by Sterling (16th) but, on returning from the locker room, Nottingham, 18th in the standings, managed to equalize by Aurier (63rd).
Like their victory against Bournemouth earlier this week, Chelsea showed a double face during this meeting. Not very dangerous but ultra-dominant in the first period, the Blues collapsed in the second period. With a great Thiago Silva, Chelsea outclassed Nottingham in the first 45 minutes and could have won more widely if Mason Mount had been more efficient. Faced with Chelsea’s pressing, Nottingham struggled for a long time to get out of the ball and created danger (20% possession in the 1st half). But on returning from the locker room, the situation has completely changed.
Nottingham carried by an excellent Gibbs White
In a City Ground on fire for this first game of 2023, Forrest returned to the field with better intentions. Radiating in midfield, Gibbs White delighted the spectators and could have scored a goal with a superb half-volley at the entrance to the surface which came crashing down on the crossbar. The Blues did not emerge in the second half and did not frame any shots (against 3 for Forrest).
The goal of Serge Aurier (63rd), after a great sequence came from a corner obtained by Awoniyi, elected man of the match, which weighed enormously on the defense of Chelsea. The Blues can feel lucky not to have lost everything as the second half was missed on their part. They remain 8th in the Premier League while their evening opponents can harbor some regrets and are still 18th and relegated.