Chelsea handed Nottingham Forest a crushing 3–0 defeat at the City Ground on Saturday, a result that cost manager Ange Postecoglou his job just 19 minutes after the final whistle.
Postecoglou, 60, was dismissed only 39 days into his tenure, having failed to win any of his eight matches since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo last month. His brief and turbulent spell now stands as one of the shortest managerial reigns in Premier League history.
Despite Forest dominating the first half, the home side squandered several clear chances. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi — making his first start since recovering from a serious abdominal injury last season — missed an early opportunity, while Morgan Gibbs-White also failed to convert two good chances.
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Chelsea, who were without injured midfielders Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández, struggled in the opening half but turned the game around after three decisive substitutions by manager Enzo Maresca, including the introduction of Moisés Caicedo.
Nineteen-year-old defender Josh Acheampong opened the scoring four minutes after the break, heading home Pedro Neto’s cross from close range. Neto doubled Chelsea’s lead moments later with a curling free-kick that beat Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, before captain Reece James sealed the win with a powerful volley following a poor clearance.
Frustration boiled over among home supporters, with chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” echoing around the ground after Postecoglou’s substitution of Callum Hudson-Odoi. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen leaving the directors’ box after 66 minutes, signaling growing discontent.
Chelsea defender Malo Gusto was sent off late on for a second yellow card, but the damage was already done. Forest’s missed chances — including efforts from Neco Williams and substitute Igor Jesus, who struck both the post and bar — summed up a disappointing night for the hosts.
Postecoglou departs with a record of six defeats and two draws in eight matches, leaving Forest hovering just above the relegation zone.