A Taiwo Awoniyi brace ended Nottingham Forest’s losing streak on the road as they drew 2-2 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Reds got off to the perfect start, taking the lead with 13 minutes on the clock. Felipe had already put one header wide, but Taiwo Awoniyi was on target with his from Renan Lodi’s cross.
Chelsea looked to respond and it took a crucial tackle by Joe Worrall and a big block by Felipe to keep Raheem Sterling out on two separate occasions. Keylor Navas also needed to make an important save with 37 minutes gone, plucking a Joao Felix header out of the air.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at Stamford Bridge
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The visitors spurned a great chance to make it 2-0 soon after the restart, when Felipe’s flick from a corner just evaded Moussa Niakhate at the far post. It was an opportunity Forest were left to rue as Sterling bagged a quickfire double to put the hosts ahead.
Just past the hour mark Awoniyi netted his second header of the game, this time from an Orel Mangala cross, to make it 2-2. Forest had to hang on in the closing stages, but they came through to claim a point.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Stamford Bridge.
Keylor Navas: Made an excellent save before the break to keep out Felix. Forest will be kicking themselves with the goals conceded, though. Rating: 7/10
Serge Aurier: A relief to have him available after Monday night’s scare. Had his work cut out at times, with Sterling, in particular, proving a handful. Rating: 7/10
Joe Worrall: Was superb in the first half, in particular, not least with a crucial tackle to thwart Sterling. As a back line, Forest had a bit of a wobble after the break, but stood firm in the closing stages. Rating: 8/10
Felipe: Almost chipped in with an assist for Niakhate. Made an important block in the first half, too, and helped see out a nervy final few minutes. Rating: 7.5/10
Moussa Niakhate: So close to making it 2-0 after the restart. That could have been a game-changer. A few nervy moments at the opposite end. Rating: 7.5/10
Renan Lodi: Put in a peach of a cross for the opener, setting up Awoniyi nicely. Summed up an excellent first half. Tried his luck a couple of times in the second. Rating: 8/10
Danilo: Provided a lot of energy in the centre of the pitch as he worked so hard. Wasn’t too far away with a deflected effort in the first half. A worry to see him looking uncomfortable when he went off. Rating: 7.5/10
Orel Mangala: Nice assist for Awoniyi’s equaliser. Hadn’t been at the high standards he’s set in recent weeks - including switching off defensively - but made up for it with that ball. Rating: 7/10
Ryan Yates: Exactly the kind of player you want in games like these. Scrapped for absolutely everything and didn’t give Chelsea a moment’s peace. Rating: 8/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Had to chip in and help out with some defensive work, but also had some moments where he looked a real threat. Rating: 7.5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: A second successive brace for the front man, who has found form in front of goal at a good time. They were well-taken goals again, too. Rating: 8.5/10
Subs
Brennan Johnson (for Awoniyi, 81mins): Tried to stretch Chelsea in the closing minutes. Rating: 7.5/10
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Yates, 85mins): Helped see out what could prove to be a crucial point. Rating: 7/10
Harry Toffolo (for Danilo, 90+1mins): Chipped in as Forest hung on in added time. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Lingard, Surridge, Freuler, Boly, Ayew.
How would you rate the Reds? Have your say in the comments below
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