Chelsea sink to new low as Forest romp to 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge

Key facts

• Nottingham Forest won 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on May 4, 2026.
• Taiwo Awoniyi scored in the 2nd and 52nd minutes; Igor Jesus converted a 15th-minute penalty.
• Chelsea are ninth in the Premier League after five consecutive losses before this match.
• Chelsea have now lost six straight league games without scoring for the first time in their history.
• Cole Palmer had a penalty saved by Matz Sels in the 44th minute after a lengthy delay for Jesse Derry's injury.
• Forest are three points clear of 18th-placed West Ham, with their top-flight status still not secure.
• Levi Colwill made his first appearance since the FIFA Club World Cup final last July after a serious knee injury.

A nightmare start for Chelsea

Chelsea’s season of turmoil reached a new nadir on Monday as Nottingham Forest ran out 3-0 winners at Stamford Bridge, plunging the home side into a sixth consecutive Premier League defeat without a single goal. The result leaves the managerless Blues languishing in ninth place, their European qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Forest, by contrast, extended their unbeaten run to six matches, though they remain just three points clear of the relegation zone. The visitors were clinical from the first minute, with Taiwo Awoniyi opening the scoring after only two minutes, tapping in from close range after a pass from Morgan Gibbs-White.

Forest double their lead inside 15 minutes

Nottingham Forest doubled their advantage in the 15th minute when Malo Gusto pulled down Awoniyi in the box, conceding a penalty. Igor Jesus stepped up and slotted the ball past the Chelsea goalkeeper, sending the travelling fans into raptures. Former Chelsea and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer praised Forest’s tactics, calling it a “brilliant” performance and noting that Vitor Pereira had “had a tactical blinder.” The visitors’ high press and quick transitions left Chelsea’s defence exposed repeatedly.

Palmer’s penalty saved after Derry’s injury

Chelsea’s best chance to get back into the game came just before half-time when a corner was flicked to the back post. Youngster Jesse Derry and Forest’s Zach Abbott collided as they challenged for the ball, with Abbott catching Derry. Both players suffered head injuries, and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check. Derry, 18, was carried off on a stretcher and taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for precautionary tests. The delay lasted nearly 10 minutes. When play resumed, Cole Palmer stepped up but saw his weak penalty saved by Matz Sels, summing up Chelsea’s miserable afternoon.

Awoniyi seals the win after the break

Forest continued to dominate after the interval. In the 52nd minute, Awoniyi scored his second of the match, converting a pass from Morgan Gibbs-White, who had been set up by substitute Elliot Anderson. The goal prompted further boos from the home crowd. Chelsea made four substitutions at half-time, including Levi Colwill’s first appearance since the FIFA Club World Cup final last July following a serious knee injury. But the changes did little to stem the tide, and Forest comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.

Chelsea’s historic slump and Forest’s survival fight

The defeat means Chelsea have now lost six consecutive league games without scoring for the first time in their history. Their last Premier League goal came nearly nine hours of playing time ago. The club remains without a permanent manager after a string of poor results. For Nottingham Forest, the win provides a crucial buffer in the relegation battle. They are three points clear of 18th-placed West Ham, but with several matches remaining, their top-flight status is not yet secure. Vitor Pereira’s side will take confidence from a performance that combined defensive solidity with ruthless counter-attacking.

What lies ahead for both sides

Chelsea face an uncertain future, with no manager and a squad low on confidence. The club’s hierarchy must decide whether to appoint a permanent coach before the season ends or wait until the summer. The immediate priority is to stop the rot and avoid further humiliation. Forest, meanwhile, will look to build on this result as they fight for survival. Their next match against a direct relegation rival could prove decisive. For now, they can enjoy a famous victory at one of the Premier League’s most storied venues.

The bottom line

• Chelsea have lost six straight league games without scoring for the first time in their history, leaving them ninth and without a manager.
• Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice for Nottingham Forest, who won 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on May 4, 2026.
• Teenager Jesse Derry was carried off with a head injury after a collision; his penalty was saved by Matz Sels after a lengthy delay.
• Forest are three points clear of the relegation zone but still not safe, with six matches remaining.
• Levi Colwill returned from a serious knee injury as a substitute, making his first appearance in nearly 10 months.