Cole Palmer useless, Levi Colwill heroic – Chelsea ratings v Nottingham Forest
Enzo Maresca’s side were victorious as Chelsea secured Champions League football with crucial a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
While it has been an incredibly exciting campaign for the hosts, it ultimately ended in disappointment for Nuno Espirito Santo and his Forest team, with just a single goal scored on Sunday, 25 May.
Following the first 45 minutes of half-chances at the City Ground, it took just five minutes after half-time to break the deadlock, and crush any dreams of Forest getting into the Champions League.
Maresca, who has been under immense pressure from Chelsea fans this season, however, will have been jumping for joy at the full-time whistle as his side secured their spot in the elite European competition, and could yet secure a trophy in the Europa Conference League final.
Robert Sanchez enrages Enzo Maresca in Chelsea win
Robert Sanchez – 4
Infuriated Maresca and Colwill with his awful distribution in the first half, never looked comfortable in possession, and deserved his low rating for just making more work for his defenders.
Reece James – 6
A very average performance from the captain. Lacked any creative spark in the final third but defended well against Forest’s exciting forwards.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 7
Looked comfortable next to Colwill, winning the necessary battles to keep the ball away from Sanchez, but was outshone by the teammate standing beside him for 90 minutes.
Colwill emulates Jesper Gronkjaer
Levi Colwill – 9 – Player of the Match
The telling touch as he led from the front. Scored the all-important goal at the City Ground, latching onto Neto’s cross in the penalty area, and remained defensively sound against Chris Wood. Shades of John Terry from the homegrown defender?
Marc Cucurella – 6
The Spaniard was in the wars at the City Ground, often finding himself on the turf, but he caused a lot of frustration for the home side, especially when buying a free-kick.
Moises Caicedo – 7
Despite picking up a cynical yellow card, it was an established performance from the midfielder, who broke up the play fantastically and continued to boss the centre of the park.
Enzo Fernandez – 5
Given his form in recent weeks, boasting one goal and four assists in his last six matches, it was rather underwhelming from the Argentine, who struggled to make a significant impact.
Noni Madueke (Off for Dewsbury-Hall 87′) – 7
Always so exciting on the right flank, causing issues for Neco Williams right up until being taken off with moments left of the game, and Maresca trying to consolidate the win.
Cole Palmer goes invisible at the City Ground
Cole Palmer – 3
Ineffective. Wasted chances. Still failing to get back to his very best after an incredible introduction to the 2024/25 campaign. So, so disappointing, but a summer might be what is needed to recharge his batteries.
Jadon Sancho (Off for Lavia 62′) – 4
Extremely quiet on the opposite flank, barely getting a chance to showcase his skills at the City Ground. Did little to impress, with the manager replacing him quite early.
Pedro Neto (Off for Gusto 78′) – 7
Grabbed the assist for Colwill’s winner at the City Ground. Not the most loved figure by the Blues, but he played his role well and made a key impact.
Enzo Maresca’s substitutions secure the win against Nottingham Forest
Substitutes
Romeo Lavia (On for Sancho 62′) – 6
Did well to break up the play, doing exactly the job he came onto the pitch to do.
Malo Gusto (On for Neto 78′) – 5
Couldn’t make much of an impact at the City Ground, only touching the ball a handful of times.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (On for Madueke 87′) – N/A