Taiwo Awoniyi delivered a sensational performance, scoring twice to lead Nottingham Forest to a stunning 3-1 triumph against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Nigerian striker opened the account just two minutes into the match, directing a powerful header home from Dilane Bakwa’s precise cross.
Forest’s advantage doubled in the 20th minute when Awoniyi was brought down in the box by Malo Gusto, earning a penalty. Igor Jesus stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Robert Sanchez to make it 2-0.
Chelsea had a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit before halftime after Jesse Derry was fouled, earning a spot-kick. However, Cole Palmer’s ensuing penalty was brilliantly saved by Matz Sels, keeping Forest firmly in control.
Early in the second half, Awoniyi sealed the win with his second goal, finishing expertly from Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross to make it 3-0. The 28-year-old now boasts an impressive record of four goals and one assist in 14 league outings for Forest this season.
Joao Pedro pulled one back for Chelsea deep into stoppage time, but it was too little, too late as Forest secured a memorable away victory.