The most eagerly awaited match on the decisive day of the Premier League was the direct duel between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea, which was worth a place in next season's UEFA Champions League. However, the Blues managed to almost completely dominate their opponents and won 1-0 to reach 69 points, while Forest remained on 65 points.
Even with all the favoritism going to the other side, Nottingham Forest started the match by controlling possession, something unusual for Nuno Espírito Santo's team. In this strategy, Aina was the most involved player due to his insistence on going down the right flank to attack, as well as using many crosses into the area in search of Wood.
Meanwhile, Chelsea showed a very well-organized tactical system at the back and had some good chances with Enzo Fernández, Sancho and Neto being the main highlights. However, the chances only got better towards half-time, and Forest had an incredible chance when he received the ball close to goal, but his touch went over the bar.
After a more tactical and strategic first half, the second half was marked by a more intense Chelsea attack. Just a few minutes in, Pedro Neto had the ball in the box and his cross-shot ended up being deflected into the back of the net by Colwill.
Forest tried to go on the attack against Chelsea to try and get a goal, but ran into a considerable lack of creativity, without repeating the same rhythm of the first half, certainly due to nerves. And in their desperation, the only real chance of scoring came in stoppage time, when Sels made his way into midfield and laid the ball off for Wood to get on the end of and meet Robert Sánchez, but his shot went wide and the Blues were saved.
Chelsea celebrate with Champions League spot secured
In a season with a lot of investment, Chelsea certainly celebrated their Champions League place, and coach Enzo Maresca will have the opportunity to further consolidate his work during the FIFA Club World Cup.