As they played their first match of the year in the English Premier League on Sunday night, Serge Aurier allowed Nottingham Forest to snatch a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
Although the match was played at Forest, they failed to impress, right from the start against the Blues. Moreover, their form of this return to the English elite did not leave them without the necessary arguments for this.
Ivorian side Aurier’s side logically conceded a goal after just 16 minutes of play, leaving the locals speechless and helpless, their Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi being pinned and hampered throughout the evening.
However, Chelsea were surprised in the 63rd minute, when Aurier equalized from a corner. The 30-year-old Ivorian international proved that the England side were right to believe in his experience. On play, the defender picked up an assist from fellow Ivorian Willy Boly, before landing a steal with his right foot after careful control.
Aurier and Boly became the third Ivorian duo to score a Premier League goal, after Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, and Yaya Touré and Wilfried Bony. It was the former PSG and Villarreal star’s first goal in 9 appearances for the City Ground.
This draw does not necessarily help Nottingham Forest, who remain relegated in 18th place in the league (14 points after 17 games). This obviously sucks for Chelsea who stagnate in 8th place, 5 points off the Top 5 (25 points from 16 games).
Serge Aurier draws! You are red 🔴 #NFFC #NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/ySfutVgyy3
— Lee (@LeeHinds_) January 1, 2023
3 – Serge Aurier and Willy Boly are the third Ivorian duo to score a goal in the Premier League, after Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, and Yaya Touré and Wilfried Bony. Elephants. pic.twitter.com/1reB1Xu8CL
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 1, 2023
