Chelsea’s academy was at the heart of this weekend’s win against Nottingham Forest because Reece James and Josh Acheampong played significant roles.
The Blues secured a 3-0 away victory at Forest on Saturday afternoon, scoring three unanswered goals in the second half.
Incidentally, Forest confirmed the sacking of manager Ange Postecoglou almost immediately after the Premier League result.
Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.
The Club will make no further comment at this time.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 18, 2025
View Tweet
From a Chelsea perspective, academy graduates Reece James and Josh Acheampong were both on the scoresheet. Pedro Neto grabbed himself a goal from a free kick, too.
Jason Cundy was super impressed by Acheampong, the 19-year-old youngster who looked so composed again at centre-half. As for Blues captain James, he’s staying fit this year and impressing at right-back.
Josh Acheampong celebrates with Reece James after scoring for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Reece James prediction on Josh Acheampong
James delivered a glowing verdict on Chelsea teammate Acheampong after he scored his first senior goal with a header against Forest, predicting that he can have a massive future and will kick on further.
When asked about Acheampong during a post-match interview with TNT Sports, James said: “It’s amazing to see, he’s finally playing more regularly. He’s showing the world how good he is and what he’s capable of, he’s an amazing boy and an amazing player, long may it continue. He’s still so young, he has a super bright future and he will kick on for sure.”
Even though he’s still in the infancy of his first-team career, Acheampong looks so comfortable on the football pitch in Chelsea colours. We suspect there will be a riot from supporters if Blues head coach Enzo Maresca considers dropping him.
Acheampong, who’s highly rated by John Obi Mikel, could make this 2025-26 season a real breakout year.
Reece James celebrates scoring for Chelsea in the Premier League victory against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Reece James is the shining example to Josh Acheampong and others
Although Chelsea have received stick over the years for academy players slipping through their fingers, James is an example that the very best will get a chance at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old right-back underlined his quality with a complete performance against Forest, both defensively and offensively.
🔥Reece James vs Nottingham Forest:
◉ 1 – Goal ⚽
◉ 1 – Assist 🅰️
◉ 3 – Shots 🎯
◉ 2 – Shots on Target 🥅
◉ 2 – Key Passes 🔑
◉ 5 – Accurate Long Balls ☄️
◉ 90% – Pass Accuracy 🎯
◉ 8.49 – WS Rating 🌟
On his 200th Chelsea appearance, the captain delivered a standout… pic.twitter.com/L4xflsX3ue
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) October 18, 2025
View Tweet
For Acheampong, along with other Chelsea prospects, they must look up to James as the example.
It is a proud moment for the academy that James and Acheampong both start in the strongest first team XI right now. They deserve huge credit because there are plenty more talents shining in the Under-21s.