Nottingham Forest strengthened their bid to avoid relegation with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea, as Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice on his 100th appearance for the club.
The Nigeria international, making only his second start of the season, delivered a decisive performance that lifted Forest to 16th in the table on 42 points. With three matches remaining, they now sit six points clear of the relegation zone.
Awoniyi made an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge, opening the scoring after just two minutes. He headed home from a cross by Dilane Bakwa to give the visitors an early advantage. The forward then played a key role in Forest’s second goal, winning a penalty that Igor Jesus converted in the 15th minute.
Forest extended their lead early in the second half when Awoniyi added his second goal of the match. The striker tapped into an empty net in the 52nd minute following a low cross from substitute Morgan Gibbs-White, putting the visitors firmly in control at 3-0.
Chelsea managed a late consolation through João Pedro, whose overhead kick in stoppage time ended the home side’s run of more than 550 minutes without a league goal. The drought had stretched back to early March.
Awoniyi’s brace took his tally for the season to four goals in 14 appearances. Notably, his only previous start this campaign had also come against Chelsea, and the last time he scored twice in the Premier League was against the same opponents on 13 May 2025, when his goals helped lift Forest out of the relegation zone.
Forest manager Vitor Pereira praised Awoniyi’s contribution after the match, highlighting the striker’s importance to the team.
“[He brings] everything – Taiwo Awoniyi is a danger player. He is not on the list in the Europa League, but we know he will push the defensive line of the opponents because he runs, attacks the space, holds the ball and this is the kind of spirit and the smile and energy we need in this team,” Pereira said.
The Portuguese coach also commended his side’s overall performance and determination as they continue their fight for survival.
“We are a team that wants to keep our future in our hands and to do that we need to win games and not to be worried with the results of the other teams,” he said.
“If we win, we keep the distance and today another game, they proved again the speed, the quality and organisation. I am very happy for them and the players and the supporters.”
Pereira pointed to his team’s pressing and organisation as key factors in their success.
“One thing we are doing well is our pressure. We are organised. When we play these teams that put a lot of players in the middle, it is important to close the space inside. We have players that can score goals in different ways, not a clean sheet but a fantastic goal from Joao Pedro.
“But I’m very happy because we showed strong spirit again and showed this is a special group. It’s difficult to deal with four managers, different methodologies and different demands, tactical demands.
“It’s difficult to keep them united and keep them with friendship, and they are one of the best groups I have worked with in my career.”
The result leaves Forest in a stronger position as the season nears its conclusion, with Awoniyi’s performance offering timely momentum in their battle to remain in the Premier League.
