By Abiola Olawale
Chelsea secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, capitalizing on a scintillating second-half performance that saw them leapfrog into the Premier League top four.
The three-goal haul, courtesy of youngster Josh Acheampong, the electric Pedro Neto, and captain Reece James, compounded the misery for Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked minutes after the match ended.
However, the result marks a crucial three points for Chelsea.
The opening 45 minutes saw a cagey affair where Forest arguably created the better chances, forcing Maresca into a decisive triple substitution at the break.
The introduction of Moises Caicedo, Marc Guiu, and Jamie Gittens immediately injected pace and urgency into the Blues’ midfield and attack.
The tactical shift paid dividends just four minutes into the restart. In the 49th minute, Portuguese winger Pedro Neto delivered a sharp cross from the left flank, finding defender Josh Acheampong unmarked.
The 19-year-old powered a precise header past Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels to score his first senior goal for the club, igniting the travelling supporters.
Chelsea barely paused to celebrate before doubling their lead. Only three minutes later, in the 52nd minute, Neto stepped up to take a free-kick on the edge of the box. His powerful, low strike found its way through a gap in the wall and past Sels, sealing a goal and an assist for the stand-out performer and firmly putting Chelsea in control.
In the 84th minute, captain Reece James put the game beyond doubt. Following a corner, James collected the ball on the edge of the box and swept a stunning volley through a crowded penalty area to make it 3-0. It was a fitting end for James, who made his 200th Chelsea appearance.
The only blemish for Chelsea was a late red card for defender Malo Gusto in the 87th minute, who was dismissed for a reckless challenge.
