Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea LIVE!
Ange Postecoglou’s short-lived reign as head coach of Nottingham Forest is officially over after just 39 days. The former Spurs boss was relieved of his duties at the City Ground just minutes after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Chelsea in the Premier League, where owner Evangelos Marinakis had seen enough. It was a fourth consecutive loss for Forest across all competitions and sixth in eight games since Postecoglou succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo last month.
The hosts played well in the first half against Chelsea, with chances for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi. However, they could not capitalise and a triple half-time substitution worked wonders for Enzo Maresca’s side, who went ahead four minutes after the break as Josh Acheampong headed home his first senior goal. Pedro Neto then rifled in low from a free-kick just three minutes later and Forest missed a hatful more golden opportunities before Reece James volleyed in late to set the seal on Chelsea’s fourth win in five matches.
The only blot on Chelsea’s second-half copybook in the East Midlands was the late sending off of Malo Gusto as their dreadful disciplinary record continued. All eyes will now fall on who replaces Postecoglou at Forest after the shortest permanent managerial reign in Premier League history, with Sean Dyche heavily linked and reports that the club have already made contact with Roberto Mancini.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea highlights
- Postecoglou sacked by Nottingham Forest minutes after loss
- RED CARD! Gusto picks up second yellow
- GOAL! James steers in late volley from corner
- GOAL! Neto beats Sels with low effort
- GOAL! Acheampong heads in first for Chelsea
Postecoglou sacked by Nottingham Forest minutes after Chelsea loss
19:11 , George FloodAnge Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest immediately following their 3-0 defeat by Chelsea.
Forest confirmed their second head coach dismissal of the season by mid-October in a short statement released around 18 minutes after the full-time whistle in Saturday’s latest Premier League loss at the City Ground.
Postecoglou was reportedly told of the decision straight after the game and said goodbye to the players in the dressing room before departing.
“Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect,” Forest’s statement read.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
14:27 , George FloodFull-time
Another win for Chelsea, who, despite an error-strewn first half, are up to fourth in the table before the rest of the weekend’s Premier League action.
The Blues with a decisive early blitz after the break that saw Josh Acheampong score his first senior goal before a second quick-fire effort from the impressive Pedro Neto.
Man-of-the-match Reece James added a late third before Malo Gusto became the latest Chelsea player to see red.
Heavy boos from the Forest fans that are left after yet another defeat that came despite them creating plenty of chances.
Is this the end for Ange Postecoglou?
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
14:23 , George Flood93 mins: Into five minutes of stoppage time at the City Ground.
Forest with a free-kick that Milenkovic heads wide of the back post.
He was offside anyway.
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
14:20 , George Flood89 mins: Estevao puts the ball into an empty net after the whistle had clearly gone and goes into the book.
Chelsea really do need to clean it up in terms of these silly cards, especially with so many injuries to contend with.
James is named man of the match.
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
14:18 , George Flood87 mins: What a stupid challenge from Gusto with his side cruising to victory here.
He picks up a second yellow card and it’s yet another sending off for Chelsea, whose disciplinary problems continue.
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea | Reece James 84'
14:14 , George Flood84 mins: Game, set and match!
James strokes in a simple volley down the middle after Sels can only punch Estevao’s corner from the right as far as the Chelsea captain.
That goal sparks a mass exodus from the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:13 , George Flood83 mins: Cucurella wins the ball back for Chelsea inside the Forest box and Estevao’s low effort is blocked behind by Williams.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:11 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
Chelsea in dreamland in these latter stages, and Forest look a beaten side to be honest.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:11 , George Flood79 mins: Good defending from James as he takes a painful blow from Igor Jesus, earning a free-kick.
Both James and Caicedo are down briefly, but now back on their feet.
The piece of paper in question has been picked up again by James, who takes another look before allowing it to be disposed of.
I am fascinated to see what was written on it, as it seemed to cause a lot of needless confusion in the Chelsea ranks.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:08 , George Flood78 mins: Estevao has replaced Neto for Chelsea, bringing on with him a piece of paper with presumably new tactical instructions written on it.
He gives it to James, who reads it, resumes defending and then reads it again, looking rather confused before handing it off to Caicedo, who also has a long look.
You wonder what it says!
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:06 , George Flood76 mins: Hudson-Odoi cuts in off the Forest left and skips past James, finding Anderson with a lovely back-heel.
The England midfielder’s low ball intended for Wood is cleared by Chelsea as far as Sangare, who smashes hopelessly into the stands.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:04 , George Flood72 mins: Two more changes are now coming from Postecoglou.
Chris Wood and Nicolo Savona replace Zinchenko and Murillo.
Forest are going for it, understandably.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:01 , George Flood70 mins: This is just getting ridiculous for Forest and Postecoglou now as Igor Jesus’ close-range effort bounces off the underside of the bar, against the post and safe.
Their luck is well and truly out.
Guiu has a knock for Chelsea and is receiving some medical attention.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:59 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
The screen is black and simply says 'BLUETOOTH PAIRING REQUEST' on Marinakis's giant screen in the directors' box.
He had seen enough and has left his seat. And you can't blame him for how this Forest second half is panning out...
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:58 , George Flood68 mins: Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' seat now appears to be empty at the City Ground.
Gusto’s hopeful effort is deflected for Chelsea before the excellent Neto’s cross is then glanced wide of the back post off the head of Guiu.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:54 , George Flood64 mins: How have Forest still not scored here?!
Sanchez gets down low to his right to keep out Milenkovic’s header from a corner with one hand, before Sangare then turns and blazes over from close range.
They just cannot find the finish.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:52 , George FloodPedro Neto always looked like the most likely to make something happen for Chelsea today, now with an assist and a goal...
Pedro Neto strikes from a free-kick 🎯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 18, 2025
In the blink of an eye Nottingham Forest are 2-0 down...@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/hd7VZGUl2P
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:51 , George FloodA moment to remember for teenage Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong...
Josh Acheampong bags his first goal for Chelsea 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 18, 2025
The Blues lead at the City Ground...@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/kie1JWKoAK
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:51 , George Flood60 mins: Fine tracking back from Gittens to thwart Williams, who somehow then misses the target with an unmarked volley from close range after a fine cross from Zinchenko on the left.
Should be 2-1.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:48 , George Flood57 mins: The stuffing has been totally knocked out of Forest now as Joao Pedro scuffs into the side netting from another good Chelsea chance.
This could be it for Postecoglou this afternoon.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:47 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
Chelsea's start to the second half has been refreshing and totally different from the first period.
Two goals in three minutes leave Postecoglou slapping his knees in frustration. He and Forest are in real trouble.
Chelsea in a good place now.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:46 , George Flood55 mins: Chelsea’s travelling fans are delighting in mocking former Tottenham boss Postecoglou after that quick-fire double.
I think it’s them singing “sacked in the morning” at the Australian, who reacts to the second goal by sending on former Chelsea winger Hudson-Odoi for Douglas Luiz.
Gusto booked for a foul on Zinchenko.
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea | Pedro Neto 52'
13:42 , George Flood52 mins: Two goals in quick succession for Chelsea!
James touches a quick free-kick for Neto, whose driven low effort goes in off the hands of Sels.
He should have kept that out.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
13:41 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
A first senior goal for 19-year-old Josh Acheampong gives Chelsea a fantastically undeserved lead against Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea's half-time changes have worked, already.
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea | Josh Acheampong 49'
13:38 , George Flood49 mins: Deadlock broken!
Acheampong is all alone to head in his first senior goal for Chelsea from close range in front of the travelling fans after a fine run and cross from Neto.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:37 , George Flood48 mins: Better already from Chelsea in this second half as Acheampong’s header is held by Sels.
We have had our first corner at last.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:35 , George FloodIf you were wondering what Enzo Maresca made of that disappointing first half from his side from his vantage point up in the stands, Chelsea are making THREE changes at the break.
Caicedo, Gittens and Guiu replace Lavia, Garnacho and Andrey Santos.
Postecoglou, meanwhile, has introduced Igor Jesus in place of Awoniyi up front.
Back underway.
Premier League first with no corners
13:31 , George FloodPer Squawka, that was the first time this season that a Premier League game has not had a single corner in the first half.
No shots on target for Forest despite one of their best 45-minute spells under Postecoglou.
Chelsea missing Caicedo and Fernandez
13:28 , George FloodHow Chelsea missed Moises Caicedo (and Enzo Fernandez) in that first half.
You wonder how fit he is to come on here and make a difference.
The Blues will likely need him sooner rather than later.
2023 - Chelsea have named a Premier League XI without Moisés Caicedo for the first time since Christmas Eve 2023 vs Wolves, ending a run of 65 consecutive starts for Caicedo. Bench. pic.twitter.com/VmykEuDdWP
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 18, 2025
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:23 , George FloodHalf-time
A scrappy first half at the City Ground draws to a close, with Morgan Gibbs-White spurning the improved hosts' best chances so far.
Andrey Santos came close to breaking the deadlock before the interval as Chelsea showed signs of late improvement after an otherwise sloppy, error-strewn performance.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:18 , George Flood44 mins: A bit of a late resurgence from Chelsea in an otherwise dreadful first half as Neto drifts inside from the right and fires over the crossbar.
Just the one minute of additional time signalled.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:14 , George Flood42 mins: Much like Gibbs-White earlier on, Andrey Santos spurns two good chances in quick succession.
Joao Pedro comes deep looking for the ball and sends forward an inviting pass, with Gusto - who I think was offside - leaving it before Santos fires narrowly wide of the back post.
Morato was booked for bringing down Joao Pedro.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:13 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
So many Chelsea players have looked well off the pace in this first half.
It's been a half of football that has exposed how dependent they are on Moises Caicedo in the middle.
Their midfield today has been totally overrun so far.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:12 , George Flood39 mins: You do get the feeling that Neto will be central to any attacking improvements made by Chelsea this afternoon.
He lofts in a lovely ball from deep that is nodded down by Joao Pedro for fellow Brazilian Andrey Santos, who blazes over on the half-volley.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:10 , George Flood37 mins: Neto shows his frustration after failing to pick out Cucurella with a clipped cross.
No rhythm at all to Chelsea’s attack so far.
It’s not a surprise to learn that Joao Pedro has had the fewest touches of any player so far.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:09 , George Flood36 mins: The frenetic tempo from Forest has rather eased off somewhat as this first half wears on.
Both sides are now struggling to keep hold of the ball in a blood-and-thunder affair that is notably short on quality, high on mistakes.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:06 , George Flood34 mins: Garnacho can’t control a sweeping pass out to the left flank and the ball is blundered behind for a goal kick.
That just about sums up Chelsea’s error-strewn first half so far at the City Ground.
As does that errant pass from Gusto.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:04 , George Flood31 mins: Neto takes on Zinchenko before a fizzing shot to the near post is held by Sels.
Forest counter-attack quickly, but Chelsea clean up well on this occasion to thwart Awoniyi.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:03 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
Alejandro Garnacho is having a bit of a shocker for Chelsea. Not much is going right for him out there.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:02 , George Flood28 mins: A tame free-kick from James is easily held by Sels.
The high tempo in this fast and furious first half continues, but there have been so many errors on both sides.
But the most glaring have come from Chelsea, who have been careless on the ball and uncertain in defence.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:00 , George Flood27 mins: Replays show there was an absolutely crucial touch in there from Lavia to take that wicked free-kick delivery away from Awoniyi.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:59 , George Flood26 mins: Former Forest loanee Andrey Santos goes down holding his face after a tussle with England’s Anderson, but the hosts have the free-kick.
It’s a delicious low delivery from Douglas Luiz, but Forest can’t test Sanchez.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:56 , George Flood23 mins: Chelsea have a free-kick that is guided beyond the back post, where Cucurella’s header is thumped away before the offside flag is raised.
More encouragement at the other end as Forest release Williams down the right and his cross intended for Awoniyi is cleared.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:54 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
Chelsea are living so dangerously here, and Forest should be ahead through Gibbs-White.
The Blues must wake up here or risk falling behind before too long.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:53 , George Flood20 mins: Lavia can’t control Acheampong’s pass and Awoniyi tees up Gibbs-White, who curls narrowly wide.
Two chances inside a minute for the England midfielder, who steers over with a difficult volley after Douglas Luiz’s set-up header.
Chelsea absolutely all over the place at the back as the ball hurtled back over their heads.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:50 , George Flood16 mins: Lavia is caught painfully by Sangare and stays down, but looks fine to continue.
Forest are enjoying plenty of possession at the moment, incensed over an early stoppage by the referee before a pass down the left flank for Zinchenko is overcooked and fizzes behind for a goal kick.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:45 , George Flood13 mins: Another good run from Gibbs-White for Forest and the home fans are growing in encouragement.
Chelsea hack clear inside the box.
Far too many mistakes from the visitors in this opening quarter of an hour.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:42 , George Flood9 mins: Chelsea are losing the ball in dangerous areas far too often here so far.
They do it twice in quick succession to allow Gibbs-White to drive forward and feed Anderson, who just loses his footing at the vital moment after a sliding challenge from Acheampong - who didn’t appear to make contact.
A golden chance lost for Forest.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:41 , George Flood6 mins: Morato with a clumsy foul on Joao Pedro and Chelsea swing a free-kick into the box, with some acrobatics from Garnacho keeping the attack alive.
Forest eventually scramble clear.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:39 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
A half-chance for either side in the opening minutes of a fixture that served as a huge occasion on the final day of last season.
A winner-takes-all affair here in which whoever prevailed would seal Champions League football, it was Chelsea who won 1-0 thanks to Levi Colwill's goal.
He's one of a number of players absent through injury for the Club World Cup winners today.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:37 , George Flood5 mins: A first chance for Chelsea as Neto weaves his way into the Forest box, where Zinchenko unwisely has a little kick.
The overlapping Cucurella’s fierce cross is palmed away by Sels and hooked over the crossbar off Andrey Santos.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:35 , George Flood1 min: A very early sight of goal for Forest after Chelsea concede possession cheaply with a sloppy pass inside their own half.
They back off Awoniyi, who drags a shot well wide of the far post.
A swift warning for the Blues.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
12:32 , George FloodA brilliant atmosphere as always at the City Ground as ‘Mull of Kintyre’ is belted out.
Underway!
Forest in red, Chelsea in white.
Chris Kavanagh is the referee, with Peter Bankes on VAR duty.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
12:29 , George FloodHere come the teams on the banks of the River Trent.
Postecoglou applauds the home crowd, some of whom chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at him during the Europa League defeat by FC Midtjylland earlier this month.
Will we witness similar scenes today?
Kick-off approaching
12:18 , George FloodFinal preparations at an overcast City Ground, where kick-off is now less than 15 minutes away.
Romeo Lavia is making his first start of the season for Chelsea today, while it’s a first Forest appearance of the campaign of any kind for Taiwo Awoniyi.
That selection up front from Ange Postecoglou has taken the home fans by surprise, despite Chris Wood’s knock.
Fofana fit but not selected by Chelsea
12:04 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
Standard Sport understands that Wesley Fofana's absence from Chelsea's matchday squad today is nothing to do with an injury.
He has simply not been selected.
Chelsea name youngest Premier League team this season
12:02 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
At 23 years and 345 days old on average, Chelsea's lineup today is the youngest any Premier League team has named so far this season.
Feels a bit of a Mondo Duplantis situation - they keep breaking their own record.
Here’s more from Enzo Maresca ahead of the game, including that update on Enzo Fernandez...
"We need to find a different solution"
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 18, 2025
Enzo Maresca reflects on Chelsea's win over Liverpool and talks leading his team despite not being in the technical area...
🎙️ @julesbreach
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/XRChurdsJZ
Maresca allays Fernandez fears as Chelsea look for midfield solutions
11:57 , George FloodEnzo Maresca - who can still conduct media duties despite his touchline ban - has confirmed to TNT Sports ahead of today’s match that Enzo Fernandez’s absence through injury is not a big concern.
He admits that Chelsea must find solutions in midfield with Fernandez out and regular partner Moises Caicedo only on the bench.
It’ll be Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia as the pivot, with Andrey Santos playing in that attacking trio behind Joao Pedro, alongside Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho.
Here’s more from Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground, including a rather ominous statistic on Chelsea’s Premier League record when Moises Caicedo doesn’t start...
🗣️ "Some interesting selections from Enzo Maresca."@MrDomSmith reacts to that Chelsea team news from the City Ground
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) October 18, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/w4PvC83ljg#NFOCHE | #CFC pic.twitter.com/kqY1yRoU84
Interesting Chelsea team selection
11:43 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at the City Ground
That's a fascinating Chelsea lineup that Enzo Maresca has named, and it suggests he is taking Wednesday's Champions League game against Ajax very seriously indeed.
Starts for Josh Acheampong, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos, and Malo Gusto stays in midfield.
Pedro Neto and Moises Caicedo did not train fully on Thursday but both feature (with Caicedo on the bench).
No Enzo Fernandez at all. Some firepower in reserve for the Blues in the form of Estevao Willian and, if he can continue his form from the international break with England's Under-21s, Jamie Gittens.
Five Nottingham Forest changes after Newcastle defeat
11:35 , George FloodAnge Postecoglou makes five changes to the Nottingham Forest team that lost 2-0 at Newcastle before the international break with his job potentially on the line this afternoon.
The fit-again Murillo replaces fellow Brazilian Jair Cunha in defence, while Nicolo Savona and Ryan Yates make way for Ibrahim Sangare and the returning Douglas Luiz.
Dan Ndoye and Chris Wood also drop to the bench as Oleksandr Zinchenko and Taiwo Awoniyi start.
No Fernandez for Chelsea but Neto and Caicedo involved
11:30 , George FloodSo Pedro Neto is fit to start for Chelsea, while Moises Caicedo is on the bench but Enzo Fernandez misses out entirely.
Trevoh Chalobah comes straight back in after suspension to replace the injured Benoit Badiashile, with Josh Acheampong keeping his place in defence despite the return to fitness of Tosin Adarabioyo, who is a substitute.
There is no Wesley Fofana again despite the Frenchman having now recovered from a concussion.
Romeo Lavia and the returning Andrey Santos replace Caicedo and Fernandez, with Reece James and Joao Pedro also fit to start.
Nottingham Forest lineup
11:20 , George FloodNottingham Forest XI: Sels, Morato, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams, Anderson, Sangare, Douglas Luiz, Zinchenko, Gibbs-White, Awoniyi
Subs: John, Hudson-Odoi, Wood, Ndoye, Dominguez, Igor Jesus, Yates, Jair Cunha, Savona
Chelsea lineup
11:16 , George FloodChelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella, Gusto, Lavia, Neto, Andrey Santos, Garnacho, Joao Pedro
Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Hato, Caicedo, Buonanotte, Estevao, Gittens, George, Guiu
Lineups on the way
11:12 , George FloodThe official team news is just a few minutes away now at the City Ground.
There were some eagle-eyed X users that appeared to spot both Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez at Cobham yesterday, so it will be interesting to see if that duo are involved for Chelsea this afternoon after missing training on Thursday.
Fernandez withdrew from Argentina duty early this week due to what was described as inflammation in his knee.
Passionate Postecoglou launches staunch defence amid mounting pressure
11:04 , George FloodAnge Postecoglou is under huge pressure already after just over a month in charge at Nottingham Forest, where he has failed to win any of his first seven matches across all competitions since replacing the sacked Nuno Espirito Santo - losing five, including the last three in a row.
It initially looked uncertain if he would even still be at the helm for today’s game, with the likes of Sean Dyche and Fulham’s Marco Silva being linked with his job over the international break.
However, the under-fire Postecoglou came out fighting at a memorable pre-match press conference yesterday, in which he launched into a five-minute rant defending his record in English football with a familiar trophy message.
"If you look at it through the prism of I'm a failed manager who's lucky to get this job, then of course these first five weeks look like 'this guy is under pressure',” he said.
"All I've heard since I've finished at Tottenham is that we finished 17th last year.
“So if you look at it from that prism of we finished 17th then yeah, I'm a failed manager who's lucky to get another opportunity.
"But maybe I'm a manager that if you give them time, the story always ends the same.
“At all my previous clubs it ends the same - with me and a trophy.”
Maresca: Fine and ban 'worth it' following wild Chelsea celebrations
10:51 , George FloodEnzo Maresca is unapologetic over his actions that followed Chelsea’s dramatic winner against Liverpool, despite his fine and touchline ban.
“It was a nice moment,” he said yesterday.
“Last season, I was banned for one game for the accumulation of yellow cards.
“Again, the last yellow card was against Fulham away, where we won a game in the last minute.
“So I think it's part of our job, the moment, the passion, the reaction, and I think it's also nice for everyone, for the fans, for the stadium. It was just a reaction.
“It’s a lot [the fine], but it’s the rule. I think it was a reaction, a nice reaction.
“I was very happy in that moment. I need to accept the consequences. I’m quite happy to accept the consequences after that goal.”
When asked whether it had been worth it, Maresca simply replied: “Yes.”
Chelsea return to scene of Champions League qualification
10:42 , George FloodWhen Chelsea pitched up at the City Ground on the final day of last season, they knew the occasion would serve effectively as a one-legged Champions League play-off game, writes Standard Sport’s Dom Smith.
Whoever prevailed between Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flying Nottingham Forest and Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea would claim a place in Europe’s premier competition for this season.
Courtesy of Levi Colwill’s winner, it was the Blues who edged it to claim the all-important three points.
Not even five months on, Chelsea have lifted two trophies since then.
Meanwhile, Forest have sacked Nuno, appointed Ange Postecoglou, and sit one place above the relegation zone, eight places below newly-promoted Sunderland and two places above newly-promoted Leeds.
Perhaps the game has less immediate importance than when it was played in May, but Saturday’s return to the City Ground is a significant occasion for Chelsea and a game they must get right.
Click here to read the match preview in full
Enzo Maresca serves Chelsea touchline ban
10:32 , George FloodThere will be no Enzo Maresca in the Chelsea dugout or on the touchline at the City Ground this afternoon.
The Blues boss will instead be in the stands as he serves a one-match touchline ban, having also been handed an £8,000 fine by the FA following his wild celebrations that followed Estevao Willian’s last-gasp winner against Liverpool a fortnight ago.
In his absence, assistant head coach - and former goalkeeper - Willy Caballero will lead Chelsea’s coaching efforts from the technical area, assisted by first-team coaches Danny Walker and Roberto Vitiello.
Michele de Bernardin is Chelsea’s goalkeeper coach, with Maresca’s backroom staff completed by fitness coach Marcos Alvarez and analysts Javi Molina and Bernardo Cueva.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction
10:18 , George FloodThe first game after an international break is always a difficult fixture to navigate and Forest’s desperate need for three points will make things a bit more tricky for the Blues.
Still, that win over Liverpool should have bolstered the confidence within the Chelsea camp and we expect them to have too much quality for the hosts as the pressure builds on Ange Postecoglou.
Chelsea to win, 3-0.
Chelsea team news
10:16 , George FloodEnzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer was facing another six weeks on the sidelines with his persistent groin injury.
The Blues also have doubts over the key trio of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto, though the latter duo looked to be present for training at Cobham yesterday.
Reece James, Andrey Santos, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Joao Pedro and Josh Acheampong are all fit, though Benoit Badiashile will be out until December with a muscle injury suffered against Liverpool.
Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo are all long-term absentees, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable.
Trevoh Chalobah is back from suspension.
Nottingham Forest team news
10:11 , George FloodThere have at least been positive updates for the under-fire Ange Postecoglou on the team news front this week.
Murillo, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz are all fit and available for today’s visit of Chelsea, while Chris Wood is also expected to shake off a knock suffered on international duty with New Zealand.
That leaves former Blues full-back Ola Aina as Forest’s only confirmed absentee after he underwent hamstring surgery last month.
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
10:08 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be televised live on TNT Sports.
Coverage starts at 11am BST on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea live
10:04 , George FloodGood morning and a warm welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage as the Premier League returns following another international break.
Today’s lunchtime offering to begin matchday eight is at the City Ground, where injury-hit Chelsea will look to build on the momentum from their memorable last-gasp win over Liverpool as they travel to face a Nottingham Forest team in free fall.
Today’s result could have huge ramifications for the Forest future of embattled head coach Ange Postecoglou, who launched a staunch defence of his record in an extraordinary pre-match press conference yesterday.
Kick-off today is at 12:30pm BST, so stay tuned for match build-up plus breaking team news - there is a lot of it where Chelsea are concerned - and live updates, with expert analysis from Blues correspondent Dom Smith at the City Ground.
