Chelsea’s Ruthless Second-Half Surge Ends Postecoglou’s Reign (0-3)

Chelsea secured a commanding 3-0 victory over a dispirited Nottingham Forest side at the City Ground, a result that plunges Forest manager Ange Postecoglou deeper into crisis. The match hinged entirely on a decisive triple substitution at halftime, followed by a dramatic second-half blitz from the visitors. Goals from academy breakthrough star Josh Acheampong, the influential Pedro Neto, and a sweeping finish by captain Reece James sealed a victory that was as ruthless as it was necessary for the Blues. The sight of home fans streaming out en masse before the final whistle served as a brutal indictment of Forest's collapse.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum.

Forest were under immense pressure, with manager Ange Postecoglou reportedly fighting for his job. He made five changes from their last league match, bringing back key players Taiwo Awoniyi and Murillo from injury in a bid for stability and firepower.

Nottingham Forest lined up in a 5-3-2: Matz Sels in goal; Nikola Milenkovic, Morato, Murillo formed the back three; Neco Williams and Oleksandr Zinchenko as wingbacks, Ibrahim Sangaré, Douglas Luiz, Elliot Anderson in midfield; with Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi up top.

Chelsea, whose manager Enzo Maresca was serving a touchline ban, made three changes from their win against Liverpool. Assistant coach Willy Caballero took charge on the sidelines as Chelsea lined up in a 4-3-3, with Robert Sánchez in goal; Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella forming the backline. Romeo Lavia anchored the midfield alongside Malo Gusto and Andrey Santos, while Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho provided width on the flanks, supporting Jo . . .