Pedro Neto’s brilliance and Reece James’ leadership inspired Chelsea to a commanding 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, making it two straight victories in the Premier League. The Portuguese winger delivered a masterclass at the City Ground, while Malo Gusto’s reckless red card marred an otherwise excellent day for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Pedro Neto leads Chelsea’s charge
Chelsea fans finally witnessed the kind of performance they’ve been craving as the Blues produced a dominant second-half display to brush aside a struggling Nottingham Forest side. The 3-0 scoreline flattered the hosts, who were second best throughout the final 45 minutes, but the story of the afternoon belonged to Pedro Neto — the winger whose left foot lit up the City Ground.
After a sluggish opening half, Chelsea came alive through Neto’s influence. The former Wolves man set up Josh Acheampong’s opener with a pinpoint delivery just four minutes into the second period. Moments later, he doubled the advantage himself with a curling free-kick that beat Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels at his near post. It was the sort of confident, direct attacking display that has made Neto one of the league’s most exciting wide players — and one that showed the struggling Alejandro Garnacho what consistency and composure in the final third truly look like.
Neto’s performance was emblematic of the control Chelsea asserted after the break — a reminder that when the Portuguese winger is in full flow, he’s almost unplayable.
Enzo Maresca’s bold halftime changes pay off
With Enzo Maresca suspended and watching from the stands, Chelsea looked disjointed in the first half. Missing both Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in midfield, the Blues lacked rhythm and struggled to progress the ball against a Forest team that pressed high and played with intent.
However, Maresca’s halftime adjustments turned the game on its head. Bringing on Caicedo, Jamie Gittens, and Marc Guiu, the Italian coach injected energy and control into Chelsea’s midfield. The immediate impact was undeniable — Acheampong’s header came within minutes, followed quickly by Neto’s set-piece strike.
The substitutions also allowed Reece James to push further forward, giving Chelsea an extra attacking dimension down the right. James, who has quietly grown into his captaincy role, capped off a strong personal display by scoring Chelsea’s third in the closing stages, guiding home a rebound after Estevão’s corner caused chaos in the box.
Forest’s woes deepen under pressure
While Chelsea’s improvement was clear, it came against a Forest side rapidly running out of answers. Ange Postecoglou’s men created chances early through Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White, but their wastefulness in front of goal cost them dearly. When Neco Williams blazed over from close range and Igor Jesus struck the crossbar, it was clear that fortune wasn’t on their side.
Forest’s inability to convert their first-half pressure into goals left them deflated once Chelsea took the lead. As the visitors began to dominate possession and dictate tempo, Forest faded into frustration — and the home crowd’s patience with Postecoglou continues to wear thin.
Gusto’s red card mars near-perfect day
The only blemish on Chelsea’s afternoon came late in the game when Malo Gusto, operating in a hybrid midfield role, was sent off for a mindless second yellow card. The Frenchman’s reckless challenge — unnecessary and ill-timed with the game already won — summed up his afternoon. He looked uncomfortable throughout, struggling to find rhythm or discipline in his role.
The dismissal means Gusto will serve a suspension, handing Maresca yet another defensive headache ahead of Chelsea’s next fixture. Fortunately, the Blues were already three goals up, and the result was never in doubt.
Chelsea’s momentum is building
Despite the red card, this was another statement victory for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea — a team slowly beginning to find cohesion and confidence under his watch. With key players returning from injury and new signings like Neto starting to shine, there’s a growing sense that the Blues are turning a corner.
The win moves Chelsea closer to the European spots and adds belief that Maresca’s ideas are finally taking hold. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial, but performances like this — built on resilience, intelligent in-game management, and a sprinkling of star quality from Pedro Neto — suggest that the Londoners are at last starting to look like a serious Premier League force again.
