Nicolas Jackson's late goal secured a 3-2 victory for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest, keeping their European hopes alive while adding to Forest's Premier League uncertainties.
Chelsea quickly seized the lead at the City Ground, with Cole Palmer's precise through ball setting up Mykhailo Mudryk, who displayed composure to finish after just eight minutes.
However, a foul from Benoit Badiashile allowed Morgan Gibbs-White to deliver a set-piece assist to Willy Boly, whose header, deflected off Conor Gallagher, equalized for Forest.
Former Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi continued to trouble his ex-club in the second half, netting from the edge of the box to give Forest the lead.
Yet, Chelsea fought back, with substitute Raheem Sterling equalizing with just 10 minutes left on the clock. Reece James, returning from injury, provided the crucial assist for Jackson's decisive goal, completing a remarkable comeback for the Blues.
1. Callum Hudson-Odoi's Almost Haunting Return:
It was a storyline laden with potential drama, and Callum Hudson-Odoi almost lived up to it. The talented winger, once a Chelsea player, posed a significant threat to his former team. Despite his challenging loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season, his current form at Forest is undeniable. With three goals in his last two matches, the 23-year-old seems poised to shine once again.
2. European Aspirations:
With Newcastle drawing just before kickoff, Chelsea had a golden opportunity to intensify the competition for sixth place. "It is important for us. It is an important objective to try to be in Europe and of course, we are focusing on the next game," remarked Pochettino in his pre-match conference.
A victory would have leveled them with Newcastle, especially significant considering Manchester United's upcoming fixture against Arsenal. Moreover, Chelsea's European rivals are set to face off midweek. The team's recent performances earned praise from owner Todd Boehly, a sentiment that Pochettino couldn't help but acknowledge post-match. It's safe to assume that the US businessman was pleased with Saturday's turnaround.
3. Cole Palmer's Class Shines Through:
Fresh off winning April's Premier League Player of the Month and earning a nomination for Player of the Season, Palmer once again showcased his exceptional talent. Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess in recent months, the former Man City star didn't disappoint, continuing to challenge Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.
Palmer's ability extends beyond scoring goals; he also possesses a keen eye for a pass, as evidenced by his 10th assist of the season when he set up Mudryk's goal. In fact, no Premier League player has contributed to more goals than Palmer this season. Remarkably, he's only the fourth player in Premier League history to score 20 or more goals and provide 10 or more assists in his debut season for a club. Joining the ranks of legends like Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, the 22-year-old's accomplishments are certainly impressive.
4. Mauricio Pochettino's Future:
The Chelsea manager made a bold statement in his pre-match press conference, suggesting that he might choose to leave the club this summer rather than face dismissal. This assertive stance coincided with Chelsea's recent improvement in form and garnered support from some fans.
However, a manager's authority is often strengthened by victories, and Pochettino's words would carry more weight with a win. He urged Chelsea's owners to quash rumors about his future and acknowledged that speculation was affecting individuals within the club. A defeat, on the other hand, might diminish calls for him to remain in his position. Nevertheless, a victory and the prospect of Europa League football would amplify his message to the owners and sporting directors, bolstering his position at the club.
Without their four-point deduction, Nottingham Forest would have already secured their safety. Following Luton Town's defeat to West Ham on Saturday, Nuno Espirito Santo's side were virtually assured of a place in the Premier League next season. With a 13-goal advantage, Forest would have felt comfortable, but securing safety on their own terms at the City Ground would have been more satisfying. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case on Saturday. While the wait for confirmation shouldn't be too nerve-wracking next weekend, the unpredictability of the final day always adds an element of uncertainty.
