Chelsea 2-0 Nottingham: Blues cut Forest down in potent FA Cup display

Chelsea were rampant in their third-round FA Cup fixture at home to Nottingham Forest en route to claiming a decisive 2-0 victory on Sunday.

The Blues looked comfortable from the outset in the fairly one-sided affair at Stamford Bridge as they dominated from the off, before taking the lead six minutes in through Callum Hudson-Odoi. The forward cut inside and beat Jordan Smith at his near post following some poor defending in the Forest half.

Hudson-Odoi then played a big part in the Blues’ second as his shot was parried into the path of Ross Barkley, but came after Forest had a penalty awarded and then ruled out by VAR for Fikayo Tomori’s challenge on Alex Mighten. The Forest teen was adjudged to be offside, which culminated in a frenzied moment before the halftime break was eventually ushered in.

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Come the second, and the apparent rhythm which was the hallmark of Chelsea’s first stanza had seemingly dissipated when the teams walked off. Something of an attempt at a chance saw Emerson Palmieri charge towards the opposition box only for Johnson Brennan to produce a fine challenge to win back the ball cleanly as the clock ticked on towards the hour mark.

Forest finally pocketed a goal but it was quickly ruled out. Ryan Yates had nodded João Carvalho’s free-kick in, but the goal was deemed anything but even before the faintest burst of celebrations could begin, after a VAR check signalled Yates’ tight run into the Chelsea area offside. The scores remained unchanged to the final whistle, with Frank Lampard’s side booking their place in the fourth round of the competition.

Chelsea still faced with spending

Frank Lampard may have expected more from some squad players who were given a chance to shine. It has been reported that Jadon Sancho, Wilfried Zaha and Moussa Dembele are among the Blues’ January targets after their transfer ban was reduced on appeal.

Batshuayi draws a blank

Michy Batshuayi offered very little in a rare start up front and with the Blues said to be hunting attacking reinforcements, he could not afford to have a quiet day. Missing a good chance from another fine Hudson-Odoi cross epitomised his lack of confidence in front of goal.

What’s next?

Chelsea return to Premier League action next Saturday with a home match against Burnley, while Forest travel to Reading in the Championship on the same day.