Chelsea’s impressive winning streak came to an abrupt halt as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest, a result that also marked the first signs of an emerging issue with Jadon Sancho. The match, which was expected to be another win for Chelsea, instead exposed some tactical concerns, particularly surrounding the use of Sancho. Manager Enzo Maresca found himself grappling with key decisions throughout the game, as Forest proved to be more of a challenge than anticipated.
Chelsea entered the fixture riding high on the back of five consecutive victories across all competitions. With such momentum, they were firm favorites to claim all three points. However, the game didn’t unfold as planned. Forest, who arrived at Stamford Bridge looking to secure something from the match, walked away as the happier side after earning a hard-fought point. For Chelsea, the draw felt more like two points lost than one gained, and it shone a spotlight on areas that Maresca will need to address moving forward.
Throughout the match, Maresca was a highly animated figure on the touchline, frequently instructing his players on positioning and movement. Much of his focus appeared to be on Jadon Sancho, who was making his first major impact since his high-profile transfer from Manchester United. Sancho, despite his undeniable technical ability, found himself in a frustrating battle with Forest’s defenders. While he possesses the skills to beat opponents one-on-one, his lack of pace became a noticeable limitation. Time and time again, Forest’s Ola Aina was able to recover and neutralize Sancho’s advances, which significantly hampered Chelsea’s attacking efforts.
Chelsea’s tactical system, which had been a cornerstone of their recent success, relies heavily on their wingers to create dangerous chances in the final third. This made Sancho’s role particularly crucial. However, Maresca’s frustration was evident as Sancho repeatedly chose to cut back and recycle possession instead of driving forward into space. This cautious approach deprived Chelsea of the directness they needed to break down Forest’s defense, leaving Maresca visibly agitated on the sidelines. The issue seemed to stem from Sancho’s reluctance to push himself physically, despite being in advantageous positions.
Sancho’s performance raised questions, particularly because he had been brought in to elevate Chelsea’s attack with his creativity and vision. Yet, in this match, he seemed hesitant to take risks. His decision-making in key moments, where he often opted to play it safe rather than challenge the defense, stood in stark contrast to what Maresca would have expected. Sancho’s habit of cutting back, rather than exploiting gaps in the Forest backline, is something that will need to be addressed if he is to truly thrive under Maresca’s system.
Despite the frustration, there were some positives to take away from Sancho’s performance. Defensively, he was excellent, which helped Marc Cucurella keep Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi largely quiet. This was a welcome sight for Chelsea fans who may have been concerned about Sancho’s work rate, given his reputation for being inconsistent at Manchester United. In this game, however, he was more than willing to put in the hard yards, tracking back, making tackles, and contributing to the defensive effort. His commitment in these areas was undeniable, and it played a vital role in ensuring that Forest didn’t find a second goal.
However, the key issue remains: what Sancho does once he beats his man. While his defensive contribution was commendable, his lack of cutting edge in attack is something Maresca will be keen to work on. In a league as competitive as the Premier League, simply beating defenders isn’t enough—Sancho needs to capitalize on those moments by delivering crosses or taking shots that can make the difference. This is especially important in games where Chelsea dominate possession but struggle to break down well-organized defenses, as was the case against Forest.
The 1-1 draw may feel like a missed opportunity for Chelsea right now, especially considering their recent run of form. But when looking at the bigger picture, this result is actually a point gained compared to last season, when they lost this very fixture. It’s a sign that progress is being made, even if there are still areas that need improvement. For Maresca, this game will serve as a valuable lesson in how to get the best out of his squad, particularly Sancho, as the season progresses.
Unfortunately, the upcoming international break will prevent Maresca from addressing these issues immediately. The time off means that the team will have to wait to fine-tune their tactics and work on the problems that surfaced against Forest. For Chelsea, it’s an untimely interruption, but for Sancho, it could offer a much-needed opportunity to regroup and refocus ahead of the challenges that lie ahead.
In the end, while the match was a disappointment in terms of result, it offered plenty of insight into Chelsea’s strengths and weaknesses. Sancho’s role in the team remains a work in progress, but with Maresca at the helm, there’s every chance that he can unlock the full potential of the
talented winger.