Nottingham Forest surprised Chelsea at The City Ground, outplaying the Blues, who were fortunate to escape with a point courtesy to a bizarre goal from Raheem Sterling.
Graham Potter’s side lacked energy at The City Ground (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s woes in England’s top flight continued on Sunday evening as they failed to even get out of first gear against Nottingham Forest – stumbling to a point.
The Blues had taken the lead early in the clash, thanks to a freak goal from Raheem Sterling. Forest grew into the clash – and deservedly found the net through Serge Aurier just past the hour mark.
Both sides had their chances, but the Blues can be counting their lucky stars to escape with one point from The City Ground. And Daily Star Sport is looking at what Graham Potter got right, and what he got wrong.
RIGHT – Believing in Denis Zakaria
Denis Zakaria was one of the few bright spots in Nottingham (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Denis Zakaria was down to be one of the flops of the Premier League season when even Chelsea fans forgot he was part of the Blues’ squad this season.
However, Potter has placed his trust in the Swiss midfielder as of late, and he’s reaping the rewards. Zakaria was once again excellent in the midfield for Chelsea, and he even earned praise online from Blues fans.
With the fixtures coming thick and fast until May, Chelsea will need to dip into their squad depth if they are to challenge for the European spots – and Zakaria could prove to be invaluable.
WRONG – Failing to deal with set-pieces
Nottingham Forest equalised from a set-piece (Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
As Forest threw a wave of pressure on Potter’s side during the second half, Chelsea’s defending became more and more last-ditch and erratic, and that was mostly on show during set-pieces.
While the Blues were able to deal with the first ball, it only tended to be half-cleared, leading Forest to drag Chelsea into a scrappy encounter. It was exactly these conditions that led to Aurier’s opener, when he squeezed the ball home.
Steve Cooper’s side continually had Chelsea on the back foot whenever a ball was whipped into the area.
WRONG – Failing to inject energy into the team
Chelsea were sluggish on Sunday evening (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea looked to be suffering from a serious World Cup hangover at The City Ground the Blues were second-best across the pitch from the first minute.
There was a huge dose of luck with Sterling’s opener, while Forest’s equaliser boiled down to Cooper’s side simply wanting the ball more. However, it wasn’t just the two goals where it was evident Chelsea’s energy levels were low.
Across the pitch, in almost, every 50/50 battle Forest players were coming out on top – and Potter’s substitutions didn’t help inject any life into the side.
WRONG – Not changing the right-hand side
Taiwo Awoniyi was a problem for Chelsea down the right-hand side (Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Forest’s best opportunities continually came down the right-hand side – where César Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly struggled to deal with Taiwo Awoniyi.
Azpilicueta picked up an early yellow card, and Awoniyi was easily able to isolate Koulibaly in one-vs-one situations throughout the clash. Koulibaly didn’t look like his usual self, while Azpilicueta ghosted throughout the clash.
However, Awoniyi also struggled defensively, and Chelsea had some joy down the same wing while attacking.
source: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/
