Chelsea player ratings as two 8/10 star's shine in thumping Nottingham Forest win

View 3 Images

Chelsea have clawed their way back into the Premier League's top four with a vital win at Nottingham Forest.

The Blues turned the game on its head in the second half, with goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James on an afternoon which saw the home side sack Ange Postecoglou shortly after the game.

The first half saw Chelsea struggle without key players Moises Caicedo, who was benched, and Enzo Fernandez, sidelined due to a knee injury. To add to their woes, Enzo Maresca was serving a one-match touchline ban, limiting his influence on the match, though he would have been relaying instructions to the bench throughout.

A shake-up was needed after the break, and that's exactly what happened. Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo and Jamie Gittens were all brought on, sparking an immediate turnaround.

Acheampong broke the deadlock with a header from Pedro Neto's cross, before Neto himself doubled Chelsea's lead just three minutes later, courtesy of a free-kick laid off by Reece James. From then on, it was smooth sailing for the visitors in Nottingham.

James added a third goal late in the game, volleying past Sels to seal the victory for Chelsea. However, there was still drama to come as Malo Gusto received a red card - the fifth for Chelsea in six matches across all competitions, including Maresca's dismissal.

Here's how Bobby Vincent rated the Blues' performance today, with each player scored out of 10:

Robert Sanchez - 6

Despite Forest having a few opportunities in the first half, the Spanish keeper didn't have much to do.

Reece James - 8

View 3 Images

It was great to see him back and fit after a minor injury for his 200th appearance for the club. He put on a stellar show, showcasing some of his best technical skills, including a fantastic volley to round off the scoring for the Blues.

Top-notch.

Josh Acheampong - 8

He secured his place following an impressive display against Liverpool. Once again, he was cool and collected with the ball.

He had a lucky escape around the 20-minute mark when Forest failed to capitalise on a good opportunity.

Despite this minor blip, he responded brilliantly. Early in the second half, the 19 year old defender headed past Matz Sels to break the deadlock at the City Ground.

It was Acheampong's first senior goal and what a moment to score it.

Trevoh Chalobah - 5

Back from suspension. He made his physical presence known early on with two massive headers in quick succession.

However, a few careless passes gave Forest some hope. Not his finest day.

Marc Cucurella - 6

Not much play went through Cucurella, which is unusual for Chelsea. The Spaniard, however, was confident as usual with the ball.

He also reignited an old rivalry with Neco Williams.

Malo Gusto - 2

View 3 Images

Continuing in midfield after a strong performance against Liverpool, he unfortunately gave the ball away early on, creating a half-chance for Forest. His possession was sloppy and to top it all off, he received an unnecessary red card with the game already in the bag.

Romeo Lavia - 5

In his first start since June, he uncharacteristically failed to control a simple pass from Acheampong, leading to a significant chance for Morgan Gibbs-White that just missed the mark. He was substituted at half-time.

Pedro Neto - 6

After passing a late fitness test, he looked sharp from the get-go, creating a decent opportunity with some clever dribbling around the Forest box.

Andrey Santos - 5

In only his second start of the season, he was quiet for the first 40 minutes before suddenly coming alive with two quick chances. However, the Brazilian couldn't get either on target and was substituted at half-time.

Alejandro Garnacho - 4

In his third consecutive start, the Argentine seemed sluggish and didn't offer Chelsea much on the left-hand side. It wasn't his best afternoon by any means, and it was no surprise when he was substituted at half-time.

Joao Pedro - 6

The Brazilian struggled to get involved in the game - a recurring issue lately. Chelsea seems to be missing a true No.

9 at the moment, someone like Liam Delap. That said, he improved significantly when he dropped deeper following Guiu's introduction in the second half.

Marc Guiu (on for Santos 46') - 7

It was a joy to see him clock up some significant game time. He made a real difference.

It was Guiu's fine turn that won the free kick leading to Neto's goal. He was really on form.

Moises Caicedo (on for Lavia 46') - 7

His introduction was absolutely necessary given the first-half performance. His mere presence seemed to change the game.

With the Ecuadorian on the pitch, Chelsea suddenly looked like a completely different team in midfield.

Jamie Gittens (on for Garnacho 46') - 6

He put in a solid defensive shift. His alertness and work rate stopped a promising chance from developing on the 61st minute.

Estevao Willian (on for Neto 78') - N/A.

A bit surprising he didn't start after his stellar performance against Liverpool, but considering the extensive travel he had to undertake, it does make sense. He didn't have enough time to make an impact.

Tosin Adarabioyo (on for Acheampong 81') - N/A

Great to see him back from injury.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.