It’s a bit of a mixed bag when delivering the player ratings from Chelsea’s thrilling win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Chelsea ended up recording a 3-2 victory in the Premier League away to Forest, which boosts their quest to finish in the European positions.
For Mauricio Pochettino’s side, they went into the Forest clash fresh off back-to-back victories over Tottenham and West Ham. Thankfully, it’s now three in a row as the end-of-season momentum continues.
Mykhailo Mudryk put visitors Chelsea in front inside 10 minutes with a superb cultured finish, showing great composure after latching onto a Cole Palmer pass. It was Mudryk’s seventh goal of the season across all competitions and his first since March against Newcastle United.
However, Chelsea’s vulnerability in defending set-pieces cost them again. Willy Boly’s header from a free-kick drew the hosts level in the 16th minute.
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored against his former club in the 74th minute to put Forest in front. Raheem Sterling came off the bench and made it 2-2 with his 80th minute equaliser, though.
Eventually, Nicolas Jackson’s header in the 82nd minute secured three points for the visitors at the City Ground.
Chelsea player ratings vs Nottingham Forest
Djordje Petrovic – 6
Chelsea’s goalkeeper couldn’t do much about either of Forest’s goals. He still made some decent contributions, including a save in the first minute from Chris Wood. Also, he collected a few corners quite well with some decent handling.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6
A pretty non-eventful display from him. He ended up moving from right-back to centre-back after a tactical tweak in the second period.
Thiago Silva – 6
The calmest head back there in Chelsea’s defence, like always. Made some notable clearances and there’s only two more games left for fans to enjoy him.
Benoit Badiashile – 5
He wasn’t as solid as in recent weeks. Received a silly yellow card when breaking up a counter-attack when others were around him. Replaced in the second-half.
Marc Cucurella – 5.5
He’s been transformed in recent weeks in this new inverted left-back position. Didn’t enjoy the same success at Forest, but battled hard enough.
Moises Caicedo – 6.5
Pretty good again. The midfielder couldn’t always stamp his authority on an end-to-end match, but was his aggressive self and showed bits of qualty on the ball. He assisted the second goal with his pass and it’s great to see more of his passing ability.
Conor Gallagher – 5
Booked when in a footrace with Callum Hudson-Oodi. Struggled to find the same grip on the game as his midfield partner and was eventually substituted.
Noni Madueke – 4
He just couldn’t get any change out of Forest, especially Ola Aina. The winger lasted just under an hour. Not his day.
Cole Palmer – 8
Star man. He assisted the opener with a superb pass, but the truth is he could have finished with four or five assists. Chelsea reverted to a scrappy performance against Forest, but this individual dsplay was pure class.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 6.5
A brilliant goal. He showed the kind of composure fans have been crying out for. He was heaviily involved while on the pitch, but he’s still pretty raw.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
This really didn’t look like it would be his day, being wasteful on the ball and missing 1v1 chances. However, he kept going and headed in a late winner.
Substitutes
Malo Gusto – 5
Provided a bit more width and attacking intent when he came on.
Christopher Nkunku – 5.5
Missed one opportunity but couldn’t grab a goal. Looked bright. It’s just a relief to see him getting more minutes.
Raheem Sterling – 7
He came off the bench and did exactly what his manager wanted by scoring a stunning goal. Should have a good chance to start the next match.
Reece James – 7
Chelsea’s skipper was back for the first time in five months and it was like he had never been away. A brilliant assist for Jackson to head the winner.