Chelsea signed off for the October international break with a 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Nottingham Forest.
The Blues were held at Stamford Bridge as they failed to find a winner against Nuno Santo’s ten-men in the closing stages.
An incredible 13 minutes of added time could not yield a winning goal for Enzo Maresca’s charges as their winning streak across all competitions was stopped at five games.
Forest have proven to be resolute this season, with just one top-flight loss, and a gritty 1-0 win away at Liverpool in September.
They dug in, with goal keeper Matz Sels booked in added time for delaying a restart, and Maresca believes his team deserved to emerge with all three points.
“They are a very good team and we knew they would defend well. It was a tough and tricky game, very different to Brighton. We were patient on the ball and created chances”, he said at full time.
“Overall the performance was good and I think we deserved to win. Their keeper was the best player in the game.
“We created chances and deserved to win. But, I don’t think there is any extra reason than that.”
The majority of Maresca’s squad will now head away on international duty in the coming day before a return to EPL action at Liverpool on October 20.
The Italian coach is beginning to find his feet at the club, following his summer arrival from Leicester City, and the Blues have not lost a Premier League game since the opening weekend of the campaign.
