Chelsea player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Pedro Neto leads resurgence but Malo Gusto has shocker | OneFootball

Reece James and Josh Acheampong impress but Alejandro Garnacho anonymous at the City Ground

Taking control: Pedro Neto had a goal and an assist as Chelsea turned on the style in the second half at Nottingham Forest

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Forest were much the better team in the first half, but they did not manage to find a goal to show for it.

That proved pertinent for Chelsea, who took the lead through Josh Acheampong shortly after the break and doubled it three minutes later via Pedro Neto.

A late volley from Reece James wrapped up three points for the Blues as Malo Gusto was sent off and under-fire Forest boss Ange Postecoglou was the subject of ‘sacked in the morning’ chants from the travelling fans.

Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was at the City Ground to rate the Chelsea players’ performances…

Robert Sanchez 6

Produced one good save from a corner in the second half. Kept a clean sheet.

Reece James 8

The calming presence at the back for the Blues, and took a few runs forward with the ball to get them out of trouble. Grabbed an assist for the free-kick and then the goal that clinched victory.

Josh Acheampong 8

Not only did Acheampong deliver another solid display at the back, he set Chelsea on their way to victory by planting a header into the net for his very first senior goal.

Trevoh Chalobah 5

Really didn’t play at all well in the first half but recovered to improve his game in the second, clearing his lines well.

Marc Cucurella 6

Important defensively for Chelsea, and got on the ball plenty in the second half. Aerial presence despite his height.

Romeo Lavia 4

A very talented player but made a handful of unforced errors while standing in for Moises Caicedo. Taken off at half-time.

Malo Gusto 2

Had a shocker in the first half - giving the ball away lots. Then got himself a second yellow and sent off in the second half to continue Chelsea’s discipline issue.

Pedro Neto 8

Great work down the left wing saw him assist Acheampong’s opener. He then scored the free-kick three minutes later to help Chelsea on their way to victory.

Andrey Santos 4

Did not look up to the pace of the game in the first half, failing to close down Forest’s more physical-looking midfielders. Replaced at the interval.

Alejandro Garnacho 3

Only lasted 45 minutes. A poor performance from the winger, who ran down blind alleys and failed to produce anything dangerous.

Joao Pedro 6

Some nice touches helped the Brazilian out of tight spaces, and got more space for himself in the second half when Forest were all at sea. Nothing wrong with his performance, despite no goals or assists.

Subs

Moises Caicedo (Lavia, 46’) 7

Chelsea were greatly improved once he entered the pitch at half-time. A coincidence? Unlikely.

Marc Guiu (Andrey Santos, 46’) 7

Was a real nuisance once he came on. Held the ball up well and brought others into play.

Jamie Gittens (Garnacho, 46’) 6

Solid on the left wing. A couple of nice turns.

Estevao Willian (Neto, 78’) N/A

Tosin Adarabioyo (Acheampong, 81’)

Not used: Jorgensen, Hato, Buonanotte, George