Chelsea Under-21s pulled off a remarkable comeback on Friday evening, defeating Nottingham Forest 4-2 in a pulsating Premier League 2 encounter at Loughborough University Stadium.
The Blues, fresh off a win against Reading earlier in the week, showcased resilience and determination, turning a 2-0 halftime deficit into a commanding victory with four second-half goals.
Chelsea started brightly, dominating possession and creating early chances. Winger Ato Ampah troubled the Forest defense with his speed and precise crosses, while Donnell McNeilly came close to opening the scoring with a solo effort that drifted narrowly wide.
However, it was Forest who capitalized on their opportunities. Joe Gardner broke the deadlock with a neat finish at the near post before doubling his tally with a determined run and low strike, leaving the Blues trailing at halftime.
Chelsea U21s emerged from the break with renewed energy. Manager Filipe Coelho’s substitutions proved pivotal as Kiano Dyer and Richard Olise injected urgency into the attack.
The comeback began with Jimmy-Jay Morgan’s clinical strike, set up by a brilliant run from Harrison Murray-Campbell and a smart cutback from Brodi Hughes. Momentum built further when Morgan’s chipped pass found McNeilly, who calmly slotted home to level the score.
Morgan then turned the game on its head, leaping to meet Olise’s pinpoint cross with a powerful header that gave Chelsea the lead. Moments later, Morgan set up McNeilly for his second of the night, a composed finish over the onrushing goalkeeper, sealing the dramatic comeback.
Despite going down to 10 men after a red card for Forest’s Fin Back, the hosts pressed forward in search of a response. Chelsea’s defense held firm, while substitute Shumaira Mheuka and Ampah continued to threaten on the counter.
The victory marked Chelsea’s second win in five days and highlighted the team’s attacking flair and resilience under pressure.
Chelsea Under-21s will host Southampton on Friday, January 24, at Kingsmeadow. Fans can claim one free ticket with a valid membership or season ticket, while others can purchase tickets online for £4. The match will also be streamed live on Chelsea’s official platforms.
Chelsea U21s vs Nottingham Forest Lineup:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Eddie Beach; Brodi Hughes, Travis Akomeah (Richard Olise h-t), Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith (c); Harrison McMahon (Kiano Dyer h-t), Samuel Rak-Sakyi; Ato Ampah (Reiss Russell-Denny 89), Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Zak Sturge (Shumaira Mheuka 58); Donnell McNeilly
Unused Sub: Kaiden Wilson
Scorers: Morgan (56’, 83’), McNeilly (65’, 85’)
