McFarlane Blasts Chelsea’s “Unacceptable” Opening In Forest Loss

‎Chelsea’s interim coach, Calum McFarlane, conceded that his side’s disastrous opening 15 minutes in the home defeat to Nottingham Forest were “not acceptable”. As the Blues slumped to a sixth straight Premier League loss, their worst run since 1993.

‎Taiwo Awoniyi struck after just two minutes, setting the tone for a deeply uncomfortable afternoon at Stamford Bridge. Forest doubled their advantage in the 15th minute when Igor Jesus converted from the penalty spot, tightening the visitors’ grip on the match. With Vítor Pereira rotating heavily and fielding a second-string lineup. Forest found little resistance as they controlled proceedings throughout.

‎Awoniyi later added his second of the game, sealing a vital victory for Forest as they continue their fight against relegation.

‎For Chelsea, the defeat deepened an alarming downturn at a time when performances and results are under intense scrutiny.

‎“I thought the first 15 minutes we were nowhere near the level we needed to be,” McFarlane said.

‎“The early goal was a bit of a sucker punch. We know that they like to cross to the back post.

‎”We know that the No 9 likes to peel to the back post. We should defend that moment better.”

‎Chelsea had opportunities, with Enzo Fernández hitting a post. Cole Palmer missed a penalty and João Pedro had a goal ruled out for offside before the Brazilian finally scored a spectacular scissor kick late on.

‎“We had our moments,” said McFarlane.

‎“When you start that badly, you need those moments to go your way. To give you a chance to fight back into the game. But ultimately, the first 15 minutes were not acceptable.”

‎What it means for Chelsea

‎Chelsea are 10 points off the fifth place that would guarantee Champions League football with only nine points to play for. Asked if Chelsea’s players would be sufficiently motivated to pursue qualification for the Europa or Conference League.

‎McFarlane said, “I know the group. I’ve known them for a little while now. They are driven.

‎”They want what’s best for themselves. They want what’s best for this club. We’re going to do everything we can to try to win every single game we can from now to the end of the season.”

‎Pereira can now turn his attention to the Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa. But he will do so with fresh injury concerns after Morgan Gibbs-White was forced off with a deep cut shortly after coming on as a substitute.

‎“He has a deep cut and we’ll see but Gibbs-White is a fighter,” Pereira said.

‎“I hope our medical department can do magic to put him in the right condition, because he is important for us.”