Credit: Imago, Nottingham Forest on YouTube

Evan Lloyd

Mon 4 May 2026 19:03, UK

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Nottingham Forest beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Monday, despite heavy rotation throughout the team.

Taiwo Awonyi’s double and Igor Jesus’ penalty have seen Vitor Pereira’s side go potentially just three points away from confirming safety, despite Joao Pedro’s late overhead kick.

Full-back Luca Netz, who arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach in the winter transfer window after a deal worth around £2million was agreed, was handed his first-ever Premier League start for Nottingham Forest.

The Germany youth international has already appeared a few times since arriving, but Monday’s clash was his first major test.

Netz handled the occasion with supreme maturity and was key as Nottingham Forest secured a massive win away in London.

Luca Netz’s stats vs Chelsea prove what an outstanding talent he is

Nottingham Forest signed Netz on transfer deadline day, with decision-makers looking to provide competition for Neco Williams.

The Welshman has been omnipresent for Nottingham Forest this season, making 49 appearances across all competitions so far.

The 25-year-old has managed to stay injury free, but his importance to the team encouraged transfer chiefs to find both competition and cover for him.

Netz presented a perfect opportunity, with the defender having made 124 Bundesliga appearances at the age of 22.

His opening weeks at Nottingham Forest were slow going, but his performance on Monday offered a look into what the German is capable of.

The left-back made six tackles, three clearances and six recoveries, winning the majority of his duels as well.

Netz still has a way to go on the ball, and completed just 81 per cent of his passes throughout the contest, but it was his defensive work against the likes of Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto that was so impressive.

Nottingham Forest fans laud Netz

Many fans of other clubs would have never even heard of Netz before Monday’s game, but they certainly know about him now.

The left-back is bound to enjoy more minutes in Pereira’s team before the season is over, with safety looking increasingly likely.

“Think Netz is absolutely class me,” said one Nottingham Forest fan after his performance at Stamford Bridge, and many fans shared the sentiment.

“Netz for 2 million, what a steal” said another, while another fan described him as “the second coming of Stuart Pearce.”

X user Inzy wrote: “Really like Netz. Looks like a proper old school full back”.