Premier League: Awoniyi double puts Forest over hapless Chelsea

Taiwo Awoniyi made his first start in over six months for Nottingham Forest on Monday and produced a Man of the Match performance, scoring two goals in a 3-1 Premier League victory at struggling Chelsea.

The Nigerian was given a rare start by Forest manager Vitor Pereira and repaid the coach’s faith in spectacular fashion. His club are now within grasp of fully escaping relegation danger with only three rounds left to play.

Awoniyi puts Forest step closer to retaining Premier League status

Earlier in the season, facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge would have been a more intimidating prospect but the Blues are in the midst of a tailspin, and Monday’s defeat now marks six defeats in a row. It took less than two minutes for Awoniyi to pounce on their vulnerability when he got on the end of Dilane Bakwa’s cross for a perfectly placed header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Awoniyi continued to be a factor and ended up being involved in all three goals. Before fifteen minutes were gone it was 2-0 in favor of the visitors when Bakwa placed another excellent cross in the path of the Nigerian, who went down after Malo Gusto tugged his shirt. A penalty was awarded and Igor Jesus took on the responsibility to convert his spot kick.

It only got worse for the hosts, who could have pulled a goal back just before halftime to boost their momentum but Cole Palmer saw his penalty kick brilliantly saved by Forest keeper Matz Sels.

And the match was effectively over early in the second half when the Chelsea left flank was exploited once again, with Morgan Gibbs-White crossing low for Awoniyi’s simple finish at the far post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nottingham Forest (@officialnffc)

The Nigerian played the full match for the first time in an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign. After producing an assist in a very brief cameo at Sunderland on April 24, Monday’s exploits boosted his season totals to 4 goals and 1 assist in 15 matches from all competitions.

Next up for Forest is the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semifinal at fellow Premier League club Aston Villa, who they defeated 1-0 in the first leg at home.

Awoniyi is not registered in the Europa League squad and will be available for next Sunday’s Premier League clash at home against Newcastle United, where a victory would likely secure top flight football next season. Forest are now six points clear of West Ham United, who occupy 18th place and the top of the relegation zone.