Chelsea ratings: Neto shines with 8 out of 10 performance in victory over Forest leading to Ange’s dismissal

In a decisive Premier League match on October 18, 2025, Chelsea emerged victorious with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The victory came at The City Ground, leading to the dismissal of Forest’s manager Ange Postecoglou after just eight games in charge.

Chelsea’s Performance Overview

The match began poorly for Chelsea, who struggled with errors during the first half despite having a dominant possession. They were fortunate to go into halftime without conceding, as Nottingham Forest failed to capitalize on their chances. However, significant changes during the halftime break revitalized Chelsea’s approach.

Key Changes and Impact

• Manager Enzo Maresca, serving a suspension, made a triple substitution at halftime.
• Josh Acheampong scored the opener following a cross from Pedro Neto.
• Neto later scored from a free kick to increase Chelsea’s lead.
• Finally, Reece James marked his 200th appearance with a goal, sealing the win.

Critique of Angé Postecoglou’s Side

Nottingham Forest had a chance to get back into the match but squandered opportunities. Neco Williams and Igor Jesus both wasted valuable scoring chances, contributing to their downfall. As a result, Postecoglou faced scrutiny over his tactics and team performance, leading to his dismissal.

Player Highlights

Pedro Neto stood out as Chelsea’s most effective player, earning an impressive rating of 8 out of 10. His contributions included:

• A stunning assist for the first goal.
• A well-taken free kick that solidified Chelsea’s 2-0 advantage.

Reece James also performed well, ending the match with a goal on an important milestone. However, there were negatives, including a red card received by Malo Gusto in the closing minutes, which appeared unnecessary given the scoreline.

Manager Ratings

Despite the win, Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach was critiqued. Assisted by Willy Caballero from the dugout, the duo managed to navigate a difficult first half before rallying in the second.

The following table summarizes player ratings for Chelsea in the match:

The match marked a pivotal moment for Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, particularly for Postecoglou, whose tenure came to an abrupt end. Chelsea’s resilience and tactical adjustments proved critical in securing the win, with Neto shining as a standout performer.