Nottingham Forest 2-3 Chelsea - Premier League RECAP: Nicolas Jackson scores winner for Europe-chasing Blues in five-goal thriller

I'm sorry guys, but it's time for me to wrap things up.

We were treated to a five-goal thriller at the City Ground today. Emotions swung one way and then the other in an enthralling encounter.

Ultimately, it was Chelsea who came away smiling after two goals in two minutes means their battle to secure Europa League football is still on.

Nottingham Forest, however, haven't quite achieved their goal of survival yet.

The City Ground was in party mode when Callum Hudson-Odoi fired them in front with just 16 minutes ago. But, Chelsea pooped on their parade.

Survival will now have to wait until the final day, but Forest are all but safe. Luton need a miracle.

Thank you for joining us for another action-packed day of Premier League football, it was another cracker, wasn't it?

Right, it's time for me to dash. Tara!

Let's be frank, it isn't really a battle anymore.

Nottingham Forest can still lose on the final day and survive, there needs to be a 13-goal swing for them to go down.

Luton are all but finished. They have given it a good go, but the league just proved too strong.

Anyway, below is how things stand at the end of play today...

Reece James, Chelsea captain, speaking to Sky Sports:

It's been a long wait for me so I'm happy to come back into the team. We learn every day, we're still young but we are improving and we're coming strong at the end of the season.

Cole Palmer is one of the best in the world, I think personally. At City, he didn't play as much as he would like but he has come here and taken the chance with both hands. Slowly but surely we are finding our feet and reaching a level.

Reece James showed Chelsea how much they missed him today.

When he came on at 2-1, I wasn't sure if it was the right game for him to come into. He proved me wrong very quickly.

The Chelsea skipper hadn't played since December in a 2-0 defeat away at Everton, but he looked bang on form from the minute go.

His assist for Nicolas Jackson's goal was sublime, it was a cross we had come accustomed to before all his injuries.

If James can stay fit, Chelsea are in really good shape.

Nuno Espírito Santo, Nottingham Forest boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

We allowed Chelsea in with bad defending, we were not in the right positions. The hard work of our boys should have got another prize. We had chances to win the game, we were dominant and controlling the game but we allowed them in. We should have finished the game.

There were moments we did really well but at the same time a lot of things repeat themselves. We are not managing the game well when we have an advantage. We will prepare for the game against Burnley the way we always do, to complete well. It's important to finish the season on a high.

As a club, we have lots to learn. We lost four points which means a lot, you know how hard it is to achieve points in the league. But we have the foundation to do much better.

Morgan Gibbs-White is still Nottingham Forest's star man.

The midfielder wasn't at his best today, but he still shone in many moments for Forest.

One of those was his cross for the first Forest goal, it was a lovely clipped free-kick to the back post.

It was his 10th assist of the Premier League campaign, with only Ollie Watkins providing more this season, with 12.

He’s just the third Nottingham Forest player to hit double figures for assists in a single season in the competition.

He is pivotal to how they perform.

It truly was a brilliant comeback.

I felt like it came out of nowhere. I was surprised when Raheem Sterling scored, and then bang, next thing I know Nicolas Jackson has...

The scenes in the away end for the winner are chaotic, it's been a while since I have seen celebrations like that.

Watch, and enjoy, Chelsea fans.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea manager speaking to Sky Sports:

The best thing is the way that we always believe until the end, football is about fighting. I am pleased because the players from the bench made a big impact so I am happy with our recovery. It was important for the team to finish the season strong, with the hope to start next season really well.

If we are honest we were punished in our first 10 games. Our performance was good but we were not clinical and we wasted big chances. All the data said we were in a false position. After we beat Tottenham, in the last 24 games we are in the top four or five.

I want to be positive, that is important. The players believe in the way that we work. We have struggled in these types of games but this young team needs to realise how we need to compete.

His goal may have counted for nothing in the end, but Callum Hudson-Odoi was fantastic once again.

Hudson-Odoi is starting to have his own trademark finish now, cutting in from the left and bending the ball into the far corner.

The winger did it once again today and it was marvellous - against his former side too.

He has now scored eight goals Premier League this season for Nottingham Forest, which is the most by an English player for the club since both Ian Woan and Jason Lee 28 years ago.

He looks like he is back to being himself again.

Chelsea seem to be the king of turnarounds...

Not only in the context of today's game but how they have turned their whole season around is a credit to them.

They spent most of this campaign in the bottom half nowhere near the European spots.

Well, now they are seventh, and level on points with sixth-placed Newcastle in the battle for a Europa League place.

The way they are playing, it really is on!

In the first half of the season, there is no way Chelsea would have come back to win that game.

However, they look like a different team at the moment, to win in that manner just shows their progression.

In fact, since Boxing Day 2023, Chelsea have picked up 35 points in the Premier League, only Man City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, have picked up more.

The Blues have lost just three of the 18 matches they have played in that time, winning 10.

Are the good times returning for Chelsea?

It's been a weird day for Nottingham Forest.

With Luton losing earlier today against West Ham, Forest had the chance to seal their survival today.

They nearly managed it, and the City Ground was in celebration mode for most of the afternoon, however, they fell short at the end.

I mean, they are all but safe, as Luton's goal difference is worse by 12 goals, but the loss has made the atmosphere fall flat.

A weird evening, but I am sure they will be celebrating soon...

Yep, that was the last chance.

The City Ground falls flat, they might be practically safe, but Nottingham Forest will have to wait until the final day to seal the deal.

A late turnaround from Chelsea is why there are no celebrations, two goals in two minutes secures a valuable first away in win three months for the Blues.

Callum Hudson-Odoi thought he has started the survival party, but super-sub Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson exchanged that.

I am gutted that the game is now over, it was sensational.

What was that from Morgan Gibbs-White?

He shanks a volley well wide of the post and Nottingham Forest's final chance goes begging.

That should be that.

Nottingham Forest need to think of something quickly if they want anything from this match.

The two goals seems to have knocked the stuffing out of them...

That would have been game over, but Nicolas Dominguez keeps Nottingham Forest to keep them in this match.

Oh wait, actually on the replay it turns out it's a great save from Matz Sels.

Malo Gusto is in, and he should seal the deal, But Sels produces a fine save.

Wow, that is a lot of time.

Nottingham Forest have seven minutes to find a leveller.

Going by how this match has gone, who knows what could happen...

Well then, suddenly Nottingham Forest are in a spot of bother.

Nuno Espirito Santo has decided to switch things up for the final few minutes.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Nicolas Dominguez are on for Callum Hudson-Odoi and Moussa Niakhate.

What a mad ten minutes or so, how emotions can change.

Two goals in two minutes from Chelsea, and now the City Ground is flat as a pancake.

This is why football is the best, it can change at the drop of a hat. Noone saw this coming 10 minutes ago.

WHAT A TURNAROUND FROM CHELSEA!

From nowhere, Chelsea suddenly lead at the City Ground, and they have silence the Nottingham Forest fans.

Reece James has returned with a bang, he floats a lovely ball to the back post for Nicolas Jackson to head home.

The celebrations are chaotic as Jackson runs into the away end!

He gets booked for it, but he won't care.

Wow, Raheem Sterling fires Chelsea level!

Boy, oh boy, did Chelsea need that. Raheem Sterling morphs into Callum Hudson-Odoi, he cuts in from the left and bends the ball into the far corner.

It's out of nowhere, but Chelsea won't care, they are back in this match.

I was wrong, we are going to see Reece James.

He comes onto the turf for the first time since December, replacing Conor Gallagher.

Chelsea have their captain back.

The cheers turn to boos quickly as Moussa Niakhate is booked for time-wasting.

However, it doesn't take long for the songs to start flowing again.

The City Ground is deafening, I can hardly hear myself think and I am covering it from a tv...

The celebrations have well and truly started in Nottingham, the fans are having a whale of a time.

Callum Hudson-Odoi against his former team!

It feels like de ja vu, this time when Hudson-Odoi cuts inside from the left, he makes no mistake.

It's a lovely move and Morgan Gibbs-White sends the ball over to Hudson-Odoi, and he pulls off his signature move.

His celebrations are low-key, but he does salute the City Ground.

Survival is just 16 minutes away now for Forest!

Nuno Espirito Santo has decided to make some changes, and so has Mauricio Pochettino.

Ryan Yates and Gonzalo Montiel come off with Harry Toffolo and Anthony Elanga replacing them.

For Chelsea, Raheem Sterling replaces goalscorer Mykhailo Mudryk.

The woodwork is rattled once again!

This time it's from Callum Hudson-Odoi and he nearly scores a wonderful goal.

The former Chelsea man is sent on his way again, this time by Willy Boly. As he usually does, the winger cuts inside and bends an effort from outside the box into the bar.

So very close!

Nottingham Forest fans call for Ola Aina to shoot, and it nearly works out for them.

Callum Hudson-Odoi breaks away on the left before feeding Aina, who obliges in shooting and narrowly sends an effort wide of the post.

That would have been brilliant if that had gone in, the clip would definitely have gone viral.

After all that, the free-kick is pants!

Cole Palmer clips the ball straight into the wall. To be fair, it's hard to get the ball up and over the wall from that range.

The Nottingham Forest fans enjoyed it though...

Chelsea look so much better since the double change, and Cole Palmer is running things now.

He shows off his skills to dance past Murillo outside the area but is then chopped down by Danilo right on the edge of the box.

Palmer now stands over the free-kick in a promising position.

I thought that was in!

Chelsea come so close to re-taking the lead as Cole Palmer's free-kick is flicked on by Thiago Silva, but his header comes off the inside of the post.

that would have certainly annoyed the Nottingham forest fans considering they didn't think it should have been a free-kick.

The Nottingham Forest fans are not happy.

Moussa Niakhate goes down under the challenge of Christopher Nkunku, but the referee gives a Chelsea free-kick.

Strange.

I think this substitution suggests we won't see Reece James today.

Malo Gusto has come on for the Blues, replacing Benoit Badiashile, while Christopher Nkunku comes on for Noni Madueke.

I can't believe what I have just witnessed...

Chris Wood has just provided us with one of the misses of the season.

Morgan Gibbs-White sees a header smash off the post and straight to Wood who is three yards out with the goal gaping.

But, he smashes the ball over the bar. I'm not sure how he has managed that.

Joe Bernstein, Mail Sport, at the City Ground:

Chelsea are giving one of the Mr Hyde performances at the moment. Forest look the more dangerous side and even Cole Palmer has just miscued a volley. Mauricio Pochettino is about to make a double=change with Nkunku and Gusto prepared

Cole Palmer, is that really you?

The Chelsea star has the chance to fire Chelsea back in front, but he skews a volley wide of the mark after being clipped through.

It wasn't the hardest of volleys, I expected a better finish.

He really does love being part of the action.

Ryan Yates makes the City Ground go 'oooo' in unison as he clips the post with a low drive.

The effort came from a lovely bit of link-up play. Forest are in full flow.

He's on the floor again, Ryan Yates.

Not for long though, he's back on his feet after sliding in on Conor Gallagher.

He loves being part of the action.

What has Ryan Yates done to deserve the challenges that are being thrown at him?

he is on the ground again after Moises Caicedo hacks him down, and he earns a free-kick.

From the set-piece, the ball comes out to Ola Aina, who is around 40 yards out, and he just decides to go for goal.

His effort wasn't that close, funnily enough

That was a waste of a counter-attack from Chelsea.

The ball is clipped through to Mykhailo Mudryk and Chelsea are three-on-two, but it fizzles out after Mudryk's pass is behind Noni Madueke, and he can't get a shot away.

They should have made something from that, Chelsea, it was a good opportunity.

The music is back on to try and pump up the teams.

It has succeeded in pumping me up, I'm here bouncing along to it raring to go.

I may be ready, but are the two teams?

Well, they have to be as the hosts have just got us back underway.

I think it's time to take a look at the goals.

The goals came just eight minutes apart, and are very different.

Chelsea's was precise, Nottingham Forest's too easy. Both, very important.

Watch them both below!

Jamie Redknapp, former Liverpool midfielder, speaking about Nicolas Jackson's penalty claim on Sky Sports:

As soon as you grab him (Nicolas Jackson) and throw him to the floor, you are at risk. The rule is to the benefit of the defender, I think that has to change.

Cole Palmer doesn't just score goals, you know.

Palmer has been by far the best Chelsea player on the park, so far. His pass for the Mykhailo Mudryk goal was beautiful.

With that assist, Palmer has now reached 20 or more goals and 10 or more assists in the Premier League this season.

As you can see below, he is among the Blues greats.

All is going to plan for Nottingham Forest!

If things stay as they are, they will confirm their Premier League safety this evening.

Despite starting strongly, though, Forest went behind early after a lovely goal from Mykhailo Mudryk.

However, it took less than 10 minutes for the hosts to level things up, and they have been in control ever since.

It's a thoroughly entertaining match.

Was that a cross or a shot from Morgan Gibbs-White?

I think he tries to cross it from deep into Chris Wood, but you never know, he may have been trying to lob Dorde Petrovic.

Either way, whatever it was it didn't work.

There will be five minutes of stoppage time.

As the board goes up, Chris Wood tries a volley but the ball ends up in the gloves of Dorde Petrovic.

I'm not sure Nottingham Forest fans like Frank Lampard.

they are singing some less-than-nice words about the former Chelsea man who used to manage their rivals Derby County.

I can't repeat what they said, it was fruity language.

Nicolas Jackson appeals for a penalty after coming together with Ola Aina during a corner.

I say 'coming together' when in reality Aina throws Jackson to the floor. Does the Chelsea man have a case?

I think he might do...

Benoit Badiashile sees his name in lights, but his effort from range goes miles over the bar.

However, it did take a deflection off Ryan Yates, who is now down with a cut on his leg.

As he went down, his own teammate, Gonzalo Montiel, accidentally catches Yates with his studs.

He's been in the wars so far.

Does Conor Gallagher have any socks left?

The Chelsea skipper is hacked down for a free-kick, but I can't help but notice the holes in his socks.

They aren't just little, they are massive. I really don't understand why players do it these days.

Oooooooooo, Conor Gallagher,...

Is Gallagher lucky just to get a yellow card? Maybe not now I have seen the replay actually.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is racing through on the left, he looks like he is through on goal, but Gallagher wrestles him down.

Was it a goalscoring opportunity, the referee thinks not, so just brandishes a yellow card.

VAR checks and agrees.

Nicolas Jackson seems to be back to his old tricks.

Cole Palmer slides the ball through for him to run on, he's in the clear, just Matz Sels to beat, but he can't.

It's a poor finish, he fires it straight at Sels, never looked confident.

Now, that is going to hurt.

After losing the ball in the box, Marc Cucurella steps on Ryan Yates' toes accidentally.

Having studs dig into your toes is never a nice feeling, even if it is accidental.

As I was typing the last post, Thiago Silva passed the ball straight out of play. Thanks for making me look silly Thiago.

Also, Nicolas Jackson looks lost. every time the ball is fired into him, he doesn't know where it is. The ball has been bouncing off of his boots.

The game seems to be calming a little now.

Although, saying that, there still looks like a lot of space in the Chelsea backline when Nottingham Forest try to counter.

The Blues have now settled on the ball now and are stroking it about.

Dorde Petrovic, you are a lucky man.

The Chelsea keeper drops a massive clanger as he fails to punch away a corner and it falls onto the head of Chris Wood.

However, Wood gets overly excited and heads wide. He has to do better there.

Chelsea get away with one.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at the City Ground:

Chelsea have been way too sloppy here. Not least Nicolas Jackson in totally abandoning the marking job he was supposed to be doing on Willy Boly when he headed home the equaliser from that set-piece.

This game is very entertaining.

As I said before the match, neither side likes defending. This time it's Chelsea's turn to cause problems again.

Nicolas Jackson nearly dances past several Nottingham Forest, but before he pulls the trigger in the area, Ryan Yates nabs the ball from him.

Chris Wood, what are you doing?

Wood seems to have lost his confidence lately and he decides to try and head across goal rather than at it for some reason.

He was offside anyway, but he should still be going for goal there.

Simply too easy for Nottingham Forest!

Chelsea give Willy Boly all the space he needs from the free-kick to head Forest level.

Morgan Gibbs-White clips it to the back post, Bly gets his noggin on it and it deflects off Conor Gallagher and in.

VAR checks for offside, but after a lengthy check, the goal is given.

We have our first yellow card of the match, and it goes to the away side.

It comes from a counter-attack as Murillo breaks free from a Chelsea corner, and after delaying, and delaying a pass, Benoit Badiashile brings him down.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at the City Ground:

Mykhailo Mudryk's performances of late have deserved a goal, so it's good for him that he's got one. But this opener was all about that pass by Cole Palmer. Oof. It cut open Nottingham Forest. That's silenced the home support a little, and the away end have increased their volume.

Nottingham Forest try to respond instantly, but Ryan Yates' effort is nearly smashed out of the stadium.

He runs at the ball with some oomph, no wonder the ball nearly ends up on the moon.

What a goal that is!

Chelsea's first foray forward results in a goal and it comes from the boot of Mykhailo Mudryk.

Cole Palmer is always involved, isn't he? Chelsea's star man slides in a lovely ball to send Mudryk through, and he bends the ball low past Matz Sels.

The smile on Mudryk's face is as wide as the River Trent.

Wow, that is one hell of a throw from Ola Aina!

Aina launches the ball into the box like a rocket and Ryan Yates gets his head to it, but he can't keep his effort on target.

Rory Delap would be proud.

Nottingham Forest have come flying out of the traps here.

Gonzalo Montiel races away down the right wing and delivers a delightful-looking cross, but Thiago Silva gets his head to the ball just before Chris Wood.

It seems the news before the match has given the team some freedom, they are playing some lovely stuff.

Joe Bernstein, Mail Sport, at the City Ground:

Defeats for Luton and Burnley have created a party atmosphere at The City Ground. Every goal scored by Spurs and West Ham was cheered on the concourses at The City Ground. The only time the singing and chanting have stopped was when the Premier League anthem was played – and greeted by loud boos

One ball over the top and it's nearly 1-0 to Nottingham Forest.

Chris Wood races in behind and looks to lob Dorde Petrovic, but the Chelsea keeper just does enough to top it going over his head and into the net.

That would have sent the City Ground into pandemonium.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at the City Ground:

Survival party atmosphere at the City Ground. It is loud, to say the least. Nottingham Forest supporters cheered when the scores from elsewhere were shown on the big screen. Chelsea going to need to show they can handle this atmosphere...

It's crazy how much the mood can change in a matter fo minutes.

The City Ground is absolutely buzzing and they belt out 'Mull of Kintyre' before the game gets underway.

The atmosphere is incredible in Nottingham.

The party has already started at the City Ground.

It's all smiles in the tunnel, the Forest players look very relaxed now the pressure is off.

As they come out of the tunnel you can just feel the fun from the crowd, they are loving life.

Kick-off is approaching, and Turnstiles are turning.

There is a buzz in Nottingham right now after the news of Luton's defeat at West Ham.

They know that they are nearly safe, I'm sure the atmosphere is going to be that of celebration.

Jamie Redknapp, former Liverpool midfielder, speaking about Callum Hudson-Odoi on Sky Sports:

He (Callum Hudson-Odoi) has been fantastic this season, especially of late, the goals he has scored. As soon as he gets it onto his right foot he is very difficult to stop.

This game just got that bit bigger after the 3pm results.

Now that Nottingham Forest can secure survival today, they will be all guns blazing from the first whistle.

That means that Chelsea's preparations for this match may just have to go up a notch. It's going to be an intense night.

They've got them started, anyway.

It's already been a massive day for Nottingham Forest and they haven't even kicked off yet.

The relegation battle has just taken a huge turn, with one of the fighters' battle coming to an end.

After losing 2-1 away at Tottenham, Burnley have been relegated from the Premier League.

Meanwhile, in the capital, Luton relinquished a 1-0 advantage away at West Ham, meaning they are all but down.

If Forest get a point or more, they will guarantee their Premier League survival.

It could be a day of celebration for them.

Cole Palmer has been excellent this season, especially in 2024, however, he doesn't always like being away from home.

Palmer has netted 13 league goals in 2024, all of which have come at Stamford Bridge.

He’s still yet to score away from the Bridge in his six away appearances in the league this calendar year.

He will want to change that today.

I think we should expect goals today...

Why do I say that, you ask? Well, both sides aren't particularly strong defensively.

Nottingham Forest have managed to keep just one clean sheet in their last 25 league matches.

Meanwhile, Chelsea aren't much better, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their past 14 league games away from home.

Now I've said that, it's going to be 0-0, isn't it?

How times have changed...

Nottingham Forest could secure a first league double against Chelsea since 1978-79 with a win today.

Back in September, while still under the stewardship of Steve Cooper, Forest took all three points away from Stamford Bridge thanks to a goal from Anthony Elanga.

Can they do the same again today? It won't be easy, Chelsea are a different proposition now.

It's a huge day for Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The former Chelsea man is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance against the club he started at.

72 of those came in the Blues jersey while he scored four league goals for the club.

Hudson-Odoi seems to have returned to his best at Forest, netting seven times in the league this term.

Can he haunt his old side today?

We have our answer in writing. As expected, Reece James has been named on the Chelsea bench. It's his first time in a Blues squad since December.

Unsurprisingly, Mauricio Pochettino has decided to name an unchanged side from the one that thumped West Ham 5-0 last week.

That squad looks so much stronger than it has on many occasions this season.

Just the one change for Nottingham Forest.

Moussa Niakhate comes in for Anthony Elanga as the solitary swap from the side that beat Sheffield United 3-1 last week.

Taiwo Awoniyi returns to the bench after three months on the sidelines.

Look who it is.

Reece James has arrived at the City Ground, so it seems he will be involved in some capacity for the first time since December.

He has a smile on his face, and I think that tells you all you need to know about how he is feeling. I bet it's great to be back.

We will find out the full team news in just a few moments.

I'm sure Nottingham Forest fans will be keeping an eye on this one.

There are currently six 3pm Premier League kick-offs still in action, and one of them involves Forest's relegation rivals, Luton Town.

The Hatters are away at West Ham United and were in dreamland before the break, going 1-0 up inside six minutes through Sambi Lokonga.

However, James Ward-Prowse has just levelled things up for the hosts, which will please Forest fans.

To make sure you keep up to date with the scores, click below:

Right, it's time to get a little excited.

Anticipation always goes up a little bit when the players arrive for the game. It indicates that kick-off is edging closer.

Well, we are still just over 70 minutes from getting underway, but hopefully that time flies by.

Wow, just look at these photos...

The UK has been blessed with glorious weather today, and it is no different in Nottingham.

The City Ground is looking glorious, but quiet. I'm sure that will change in the next few hours.

It will be rocking in just over an hour.

Reece James, remember him?

Well, he the Chelsea captain could be returning to action today, he returned to team training in the past week.

This would be a huge boost for the Blues, and for James himself who has had a torrid time of it with injuries this season.

It seems likely that he will be involved in some capacity, especially after he posted on X (formerly Twitter): 'see u @ 5.30 Blues'.

It will be interesting to see if he gets any minutes today.

I'm extremely excited about this one.

As I have already said, tonight has huge implications for both Nottingham Forest and Chelsea's seasons.

It's a big test for the west Londoners who have looked like a completely different side in the last few weeks - in a good way.

Confidence has returned to the young stars within the Chelsea ranks and they're finally playing with confidence. Their recent form means they are still in the hunt for Europa League football.

However, today's task is one of the toughest they have faced. Playing against a Forest side fighting for their lives will not be easy.

All the ingredients make this a fascinating clash.

More football? Oh, go on then!

Most matches this time of the season are huge, and it's no different for what we have coming up.

It's a massive game for both Nottingham Forest and Chelsea but for different reasons. Forest remain embroiled in a relegation scrap while the Blues have come from nowhere to challenge for Europe.

With what's at stake, get yourselves strapped in, it could be a rollercoaster of an evening.

Shall we get started on this ride then?