Nottingham Forest boss admits he was surprised by ‘world class’ Chelsea

Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton said he was surprised by the strength of the Chelsea line-up for the Carabao Cup meeting at Stamford Bridge.

Forest were easily brushed aside 5-1 by a side including Gary Cahill, Davide Zappacosta, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard.

Stand-in striker Michy Batshuayi scored a hat-trick while youngsters Charly Musonda, Kenedy and Andreas Christensen all impressed on a one-sided evening at Stamford Bridge.

Warburton said it was “a sobering night” for his much-changed side.

“We knew what we faced and it was a compliment to us, when we saw their team sheet,” the former Brentford boss added.

“There were a few surprises,” said Warburton.

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“We started the game well, we kept the ball and moved the ball well. I was pleased because we made a positive statement.

“But then we can’t give away soft goals. The ball travelled to the far post where Kenedy is unopposed and scored.”

“Then we make a mistake on the edge of our own box and we were 2-0 down after 20 minutes to a world class team. That cannot happen.”