#CHENOT (2023/24, 4/38)

 

CHELSEA 0-1 NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Best players: Caicedo, Gallagher, Gusto
Worst players: Chilwell, Silva :(

It seems to be the same nagging issues from last season.

We couldn't be doing a better job in terms of possession, or chances created, it really is just a case of putting those chances away.

And especially in the case of this game, where we were undone by a single Nottingham Forest chance, gifted to them after a mistook pass, is the difference between 0 and 3 points.

I still have faith in Pochettino. I think we're beginning to see signs of some great attacking football at Chelsea and I really enjoy our 1-2 passing as well as our newfound ability of actually finding runners in behind.

I am also a fan of the Gallagher and Caicedo midfield pivot, which I hope remains as a mainstay in this team for the future. Both are relentless in the press and full of energy, Caicedo I noticed was always popping up as a passing option and a good springboard in the middle of the pitch. I wrote in my notes 'always seems to be in the right place at the right time' 

Gallagher can seemingly do it all, and I will continue to fight any Chelsea fan who is of the opinion that he needs to be sold.

Colwill is the standout defender of the 3 at the back system for me so far (we'll come to the other two later). His laser guided passes continue to amaze me. There was one ball that I think he made to Nicolas Jackson - the curve and whip was so nuts I burst out in giddy laughter. No wonder so many clubs wanted to sign him.

There's also Gusto, who is making a case to be a mainstay in the team after another solid performance. No assists this time around but I wanted to make a point of his good defensive work in this game, which is surprising given that he is not nearly as physical as a Reece James, for example. Works so hard down the right and at some points I could hear Poch from the sideline shouting 'Good, Malo!'

Though, despite all of these good points, we still ended up losing, and this loss definitely stung way more than the one at West Ham.

The goal came after a mix-up between Caicedo and Gallagher, as we struggled to play cleanly out from the back. It's a poor touch from Caicedo which lets Forest take back possession. From there a ball can be played around the stationary Thiago Silva for Elanga to run onto, and neither of Colwill or Disasi can get across in time which leaves the Forest winger with space and time to slot it past Sanchez.

It really did come from nothing, because I would argue that we had the better of the chances in the first half. After that point, of course, Forest have the goal advantage and can sit back in their defensive shape and hold out the lead for most of the second half. I do applaud our desire to try and get back into the game, and in particular the additions of Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer were a breath of fresh air, with both having excellent run-outs - Palmer in particular looks like a good signing for us, even if I was slightly apprehensive at first.

I do think if we end up making a switch away from the 3 at the back, Silva may be the one to make way - he hasn't looked up to it since the start of this season and especially given a lot of teams have strengthened in attacking areas. The Brazilian is turning 39 soon as well, which is an impressive feat, though I also fear that he will become more prone to defensive errors too. Chalobah also deserves a decent chance in the team too once he is back, fully fit.

A switch in formation may also mean the Chilwell LW experiment may be put on hold - I was at first okay with this new role for him but in this game especially I cannot see how it improves things - especially with players like Mudryk, Madueke and Palmer waiting on the bench and having good opportunities.

On the other side I felt Sterling wasn't as explosive in this game particularly because he spent more time out on the right wing rather than dribbling inside to the half space, though when he did he couldn't seem to find a way past Forest's defence. Hopefully he can restore a bit of that form, and can get some good training in given he hasn't been called up for international duty.

A frustrating day at the office, then, and we miss our chance to remain up the top of the table, for now. I'm still confident, though, and Bournemouth next is another good chance for us to pick up some needed points and confidence.

At the end of the day we need patience and practice - we've spent and sold and now just need games under our belt for this new team to develop.