Well then — if anyone thought Chelsea’s win over Liverpool was a one-off, Saturday at the City Ground was the mic drop.
The Blues battered Nottingham Forest 3‑0, oozing confidence, control, and killer instinct. It was a performance that not only sent Forest into panic mode but also left Ange Postecoglou leaving the City Ground with a sack letter.
Let’s break down the main takeaways the good, the not-so-good, and the ones to keep an eye on — for all Chelsea fans.
1. Romeo Lavia: Not Quite There Yet
He got the start, but didn’t finish the half. Lavia looked off the pace and short of sharpness — understandable, given his injury layoff.
There’s quality there, no doubt. But right now? He’s still in pre-season mode while the rest are starting to enter full gear. He’ll get there, but needs minutes and patience.
2. Andrey Santos: Time to Toughen Up
Santos was handed a more advanced midfield role — but struggled to find his rhythm. He looked off-tempo, a bit lost in the middle of the park, and lacked the bite you need in big matches.
Pulled at half-time alongside Lavia, it’s a sign he’s not quite ready to dictate games at this level. The raw potential is very real, but Chelsea need him to grow up fast — this league doesn’t wait for anyone.
3. Malo Gusto: Inconsistent... Then a Red
Gusto’s afternoon was a mixed highlight reel. He showed attacking drive and energy, but defensive slips and a late red card in the 87th minute — spoiled it.
It’s becoming a trend: flashes of brilliance, followed by moments that make fans wince. For a full-back meant to be a pillar of stability, consistency needs to be his new best friend.
4. Moisés Caicedo: The Midfield Machine
Now this was a game-changer. Brought on at half time, Caicedo brought order to chaos. He cleaned up loose balls, bossed the midfield, and gave Chelsea much-needed rhythm.
The moment he came on, Chelsea shifted up a gear. It’s simple: a fit and focused Caicedo is one of the first names on the team sheet.
5. João Pedro: A 10, Not a 9
Pedro started up top and while he didn’t flop, he clearly wasn’t at his full potential. Too many sideways runs, too little threat.
But when he dropped deeper and let Guiu lead the line? Different story. Suddenly he was pulling strings, linking play, and causing havoc. Lesson learned: Pedro’s magic lives between the lines, not in the penalty box.
6. Pedro Neto: Starboy in Stealth Mode
Neto doesn’t always grab the headlines — but against Forest, he owned the stage. An assist. A stunner of a free-kick. Confidence oozing out of every touch.
He’s one of Chelsea’s most important and underrated players. Time to start treating him like the star he is.
PEEDDRROOOOO!!! 🇵🇹😍#CFC | #NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/dXkM94vr83
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 18, 2025
7. Reece James: 200 Games, Still World-Class
Milestone appearance. Big-game performance. Reece James showed why he’s not just Chelsea’s top full-back — he’s arguably the best in the Premier League.
Solid at the back, slick going forward, and topped it off with a goal. This is the Reece we’ve missed. If he stays fit? The league should be worried.
8. Acheampong: The Future is Now
Remember the name: Acheampong. The young defender delivered a performance that screamed "I belong here."
Scored the opener with a bullet header, and handled Forest’s physical threats like a seasoned pro. He wasn’t just filling in — he was dominating. Chelsea may have found themselves a defensive gem.
Josh reacts to his first #CFC goal! 💙#NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/pkZOF7IPYX
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 18, 2025
9. Enzo Maresca: The Substitution Masterclass
Let’s give credit where it’s due. Maresca saw the first half wasn’t clicking — and acted fast. Lavia and Santos off, Caicedo and Guiu on.
Result? A more dynamic, fluid second half that saw Chelsea run riot. These are the kinds of decisions that separate good coaches from great ones. The man’s learning, and fast.
Final Whistle Thoughts
Yes, it was a comfortable 3‑0 on the scoreboard. But look deeper and this match revealed plenty.
Lavia and Santos? Not ready — yet.
Gusto? Needs to cool the chaos.
Pedro? Unlock him as a 10.
Caicedo, Neto, James? Absolutely vital.
Acheampong? Could be the real deal.
Maresca? Starting to master his craft.
Chelsea are growing. Evolving. Learning how to dominate — and if they keep building like this, the rest of the Premier League better take notice.
Something special might just be cooking at Stamford Bridge.
