(Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea) They got a boost over the Christmas period, but New Year’s Day was another blow for Graham Potter’s men.
A disappointing draw against Nottingham Forest means Chelsea have won just one of their last seven league games.
Chelsea are a full 18 points behind leaders and city rivals Arsenal, while they are eleven points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Under the management of Graham Potter, Chelsea have taken just 15 points from ten games, which gives them an average of 1.5 points per game. Under Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea averaged 1.94 points.
– We need to improve in all areas. We are far from where we want to be, Cesar Azpilicueta tells Viaplay.
– Does not work. He has to get more out of this team. Graham Potter is concerned about the appearance of this team, ex-Premier League player Eirik Bakke says in the Viaplay studio.
Chelsea new signing David Datro Fofana from Molde sat in the stands and watched his new team-mates get nearly 80 per cent of the ball in the first half.
They still struggled to create chances, but after just over a quarter of an hour the opening goal arrived again, with good help from the hosts.
Christian Pulisic was played forward down the left, challenged Joe Worrall and scored. Pressed by Kai Havertz, Willy Boly tried to clear but struck the ball with his heel so that it went in a high arc and hit the bar behind his own goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The ball rebounded to Raheem Sterling, who was able to send it into an empty net at midbounce.
It was Sterling’s 113th goal of his Premier League career, but his first since August.
Chelsea entered the new year 9th in the table but would move up to 7th with a win. At half-time, most things indicated he was going to be successful for Graham Potter’s side. Nottingham Forest had created very little and also spent energy getting angry about the refereeing decisions.
By the break, Forest’s players seemed to have realized that their energy was better spent on offense. Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa was tested almost immediately and the picture of the match was completely transformed. Serge Aurier equalized from a corner in the 63rd minute.
– We lost control of the match and were punished, Azpilicueta tells Viaplay.
Premier League
- Champions League
- Europa League
- Relegation
