EPL: Awoniyi bags brace as Forest stun Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge
Nottingham Forest Defeats Chelsea 3-1, Awoniyi Shines with Two Goals
LONDON — Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice on Saturday as Nottingham Forest secured a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Awoniyi opened the scoring for Forest just two minutes into the match, executing a precise header from a cross by Dilane Bakwa. The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 20th minute after Awoniyi was fouled in the box by Malo Gusto. Igor Jesus converted the penalty, sending Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez the wrong way, to extend Forest’s lead to 2-0.
Chelsea responded with urgency and earned a penalty of their own late in the first half, following a foul on Jesse Derry. However, Cole Palmer’s attempt was thwarted by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, maintaining the visitors’ advantage.
Early in the second half, Awoniyi struck again, capitalizing on a cross from Morgan Gibbs-White to net Forest’s third goal of the game. This performance marks Awoniyi’s fourth goal and one assist in 14 league appearances for the season.
Chelsea managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time through Joao Pedro, but it was not enough to change the outcome of the match. The win brings Nottingham Forest a critical three points as they continue their campaign.
