In an exciting Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Raheem Sterling and Taiwo Awoniyi each scored a brace, showcasing their prowess in front of goal and ensuring an entertaining spectacle for the fans.
Nottingham Forest, desperate to end their seven-game winless streak in the Premier League away from home, took an early lead with Awoniyi’s header in the 13th minute. The Chelsea defense was caught off guard as Renan Lodi delivered a pinpoint cross, and Awoniyi capitalized on a missed punch by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to head the ball home. It was Awoniyi’s third goal in his last two matches, establishing himself as a key figure for Forest.
Chelsea struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with Atlético Madrid loanee João Félix squandering their best opportunity just before halftime. However, the halftime break seemed to ignite a spark within the home team, and they came out rejuvenated in the second half.
Raheem Sterling, who has been enjoying a revival of form, pulled Chelsea level six minutes after the restart. The winger received a well-placed pass from Trevor Chalobah and fired a deflected shot into the roof of the net, displaying his trademark speed and precision. Sterling wasn’t finished yet and turned the game on its head with a brilliant finish into the far corner, leaving Forest goalkeeper Keylor Navas with no chance.
Nottingham Forest, refusing to be outdone, launched a comeback of their own. Awoniyi replicated his heroics from the previous match against Southampton by scoring his second goal of the game in the 62nd minute, once again showcasing his aerial prowess with a well-directed header.
Both teams continued to press for a winner, with Lodi and Sterling posing threats for their respective sides. However, despite their efforts, the match ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw, with neither team able to secure all three points.
The result leaves Nottingham Forest just three points adrift of the relegation zone, providing a glimmer of hope for their survival in the Premier League. On the other hand, Chelsea’s disappointing season continues, as they remain on course for their first bottom-half finish since the 1995/96 season.
The thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge showcased the attacking talent on display, with Sterling and Awoniyi particularly shining for their respective teams. While Chelsea may be disappointed with their failure to secure a victory, Nottingham Forest will be buoyed by their resilient performance against a top-flight club. Both teams will now look to build on this result as they strive for their respective goals in the remainder of the season.