Dismal Chelsea beaten at home by Forest
Chelsea 0 Nottm Forest 1
Anthony Elanga’s second-half goal earned Nottingham Forest their first win at Stamford Bridge in 28 years.
The former Manchester United winger, who replaced the injured Danilo just before half-time, finished smartly three minutes into the second period after Taiwo Awoniyi robbed Moises Caicedo and put him through on goal.
It was a victory Forest more than deserved, as they defended resolutely and looked a threat on the break against Mauricio Pochettino’s expensively-assembled side.
A dismal first half saw neither team create any clear-cut chances before Elanga rolled the ball past keeper Robert Sanchez and into the bottom right-hand corner.
Boss Pochettino reverted to a back four and introduced new signing Cole Porter as well as Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk in an attempt to fashion an equaliser.
It should have come 10 minutes from time when Nicolas Jackson somehow fired over from three yards from a Raheem Sterling cross following a smart pass from Palmer.
Sterling fired just wide deep into stoppage time as Chelsea continued to push for a goal but Forest held firm to inflict a second defeat in four games for the home side.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Disasi, Gusto (Mudryk 77), Silva, Colwill, Chilwell (Madueke 62) Gallagher (Palmer 62), Caicedo (Maatsen 77), Sterling, Jackson, Fernandez.
Subs not used: Bergstrom, Cucurella, Ugochukwu, Petrovic, Washington.