A wonder strike by defender Serge Aurier earned Nottingham Forrest a 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea, cancelling out Raheem Sterling’s goal at the City Ground Stadium in England.
Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi started in two-man attack along side Brennan Johnson for Nottingham Forest, while Chelsea featured Kai Havertz up-front with Christian Pulisic and Sterling supporting on the flanks.
Chelsea winger Sterling opened the scoring in the 16th minute after the ball that struck the bar fell luckily to him as he was in the right place to fire the ball into the net.
Forest knew a loss would keep them in the relegation zone and were determined to find a way back into the game. Both sides produced few chances in the first half but the scores remained 1-0 in favour of Chelsea at halftime.
In the second half, Forest coach Steve Cooper sent his men into the second half with a point to proven and they were rewarded in the 63rd minute.
From a corner kick, Forest defender Aurier scored a wonder strike after a loose ball fell to him as the volleyed the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizbalaga to register his goal first Nottingham Forest.
The match finished 1-1 as Chelsea’s performance see them in 8th place in the League standings, while Nottingham Forrest are in 18th place.
Chelsea will now face Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday in the Premier League, while Nottingham Forest’s next match is against Southampton at St Mary’s on Wednesday.
Goals from Raheem Sterling and Serge Aurier see the points shared 🤝#NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/8M5ErRezm5
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 1, 2023
Sunday’s Premier League results
Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Aston Villa
Nottingham Forrest 1-1 Chelsea