Nuno Espirito Santo expressed delight at his side’s showing as ten-man Nottingham Forest held on for a point against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Chris Wood opened the scoring for Forest shortly after the break but Noni Madueke levelled for the hosts less than ten minutes later.
James Ward-Prowse was shown his marching orders after a second booking on 78-minutes but the visitors held on for an impressive result against Enzo Maresca’s high-flying Blues.
The result moves Forest up to ninth in the table, while Chelsea remain in fourth.
“I think first half we were well organised. I thought we were able to really control Chelsea,” said Espirito Santo.
“There was a big team effort to help cover the space and at the same time I felt we had good possession of the ball.
“So the game was really balanced but the second half is what everyone will remember because it was up and down, it was stretched.
“But I was happy with the hard work of the boys.
“In the end, for us, the way we competed, is what is most positive for us.”
“I’m happy with the hard work of the boys”
Nuno Espírito Santo on his side’s hard- fought point at Stamford Bridge pic.twitter.com/UA3UQOvwCM
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2024
Maresca said he believed his Chelsea side deserved to win,
“The performance was very good, I thought we controlled the game.
“But they [Forest] are a very good team. They defended very well.
“With the red card, the game becomes a little bit more difficult because you think that it is more easy with one more player, but the way they defended was unbelievable.
“But the performance was good.”
“We are improving day by day” 🗣️
Enzo Maresca reacts to Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest pic.twitter.com/fX3gfzIkZt
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2024
The Chelsea was pleased with his team’s ability to create chances but, when addressing the club’s strong start, he admitted he will keep his players grounded.
“We are improving day-by-day,” Maresca added.
“In terms of results we are happy. But I think that has to be something for the fans, not for us.
“The most important thing for us is to be focused on the way we want to play. This has to be our main focus.”
Next up for Chelsea is a trip to league leaders Liverpool after the international break, while Forest host struggling Crystal Palace.
