Chelsea player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Raheem Sterling spares Edouard Mendy’s blushes

Mendy owed Sterling a debt of gratitude after his brace guaranteed that the goalkeeper’s blunder did not cost Chelsea the game against Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea took another step back after ending their losing streak the previous week, as they were held to a painful 2-2 draw by relegation-battling Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

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Edouard Mendy’s blunder allowed Forest an early lead, which Taiwo Awoniyi capitalized on, but Raheem Sterling’s two-goal burst flipped the game on its head after the break. The second score was spectacular, as he cut inside and curled in a fantastic finish to cap off a quick counter-attack.
The Blues, though, couldn’t hang out for a second consecutive win, as Awoniyi was left unmarked to nudge in his second just seconds after Chelsea took the lead. The setback leaves Frank Lampard’s team in 11th place, and he is still winless at home since taking over, while Forest is closing in on safety.
From Stamford Bridge, here are GOAL’s Chelsea player ratings…
Defence & Keeper
Edouard Mendy (3 out of 10):
Lampard brought back the guy he signed to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2021, and the move backfired within 15 minutes when Mendy failed to claim a cross, allowing Taiwo Awoniyi to tip home a straightforward header.
Trevoh Chalobah (7 out of 10):
He was an effective offensive weapon because he was typically the spare man on the right and came up with an assist after a good combination with Noni Madueke.
Thiago Silva (5/10): Two tifos were handed around the stands before kickoff in his honor amid speculations of a probable exit, but he didn’t shine in the opener.
Benoit Badiashile (5/10): Despite having Awoniyi in his sights, he failed to recognize the danger and landed with difficulty. There is also a lack of awareness regarding the second goal.
Lewis Hall (6/10): Brought in when nearly every other left-back was hurt. Did well overall, but lost Awoniyi for his second.
Midfield
Conor Gallagher (6/10): As usual, he was plenty of energy and helped Chelsea get back into the game.
Enzo Fernandez (6/10): Would have liked to have had more clout against the relegation candidates, but was a little introverted. After so many games since arriving in England, he could certainly use a break.
Mateo Kovacic (5/10) was forced off late in the first half due to a minor injury. He may have played his final game for the club, according to rumors.
Attack
Noni Madueke (6/10): Involved in the goal but generally kept quiet until being substituted after his recent strong performances.
Joao Felix (5/10): Was fortunate to avoid a penalty for hurling a ball towards Ryan Yates in exasperation, but did not strike him. Came within a whisker of scoring a spectacular goal, but otherwise cut an irritated figure.
Raheem Sterling (8/10): Was a little sluggish in one-on-one situations, allowing Joe Worrall to make a last-ditch block in the first quarter. He made amends with a calm finish just after the break, followed by a fantastic curling attempt to secure his brace.
Subs & Manager Ruben Loftus-Cheek (6/10): On for Kovacic shortly before half-time. Picked up a nice assist on Sterling’s second breakaway goal.
Kai Havertz (5/10): Provided more of a focal point but did not receive the service required to make a difference.
Hakim Ziyech (5 points):
Had a few bright spots, but wasn’t able to create something truly noteworthy.

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(4) Frank Lampard:
The decision to bench Kepa swiftly backfired, as the first-half performance was sluggish. His half-time pep talk was effective, but Chelsea’s defense was insufficient to secure the victory.