Chelsea’s five-match winning streak came to an end yesterday as Nottingham Forest’s stubborn defence secured a hard-fought draw.
Forest employed a straightforward gameplan, parking 10 players behind the ball and relying on counter-attacks and set pieces. Chelsea dominated possession but struggled to break down the hosts’ resolute defence until the dramatic final minutes.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca praised his team’s performance, saying: “I think first 45 minutes we didn’t concede nothing, we controlled the game, created the chances and the performance was very good because you can get frustrated against this kind of team. But, as I said, compared to the Brighton game it’s a completely different kind of game so you need to learn how to play.
“I thought first half was top and then second half we concede the goal and become a little bit more up and down. After we score immediately and then again we were in control. Overall I thought the performance was very good and I think we deserved to win the game.”
Maresca’s side recovered from conceding a goal to equalise immediately and regain control. The match was marred by a late flare-up between the teams, sparked by Neco Williams’ reckless challenge on Marc Cucurella. However, Maresca defended his players’ reaction, highlighting their team spirit.
Maresca said, “This kind of things can happen. Then in terms of emotion or these kind of things the team is fighting altogether and I don’t think some of them lose their heads. I think they all of them were in the game and I was happy with that. I like the team the way they are fighting. I like the way they are becoming a team in these kinds of things. I like the spirit of our team. I don’t see any problem.”
Chelsea’s draw maintains their momentum ahead of their next challenge.
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