Three half-time substitutes were significant in changing the tone of the game, with Marc Guiu in particular providing much more intensity in attack.
Josh Acheampong’s first senior goal followed by Pedro Neto’s shot from a set piece got Chelsea off to the perfect start at the beginning of the second half.
Reece James confirmed all three points late on, scoring on his 200th Chelsea appearance.
Guiu's stretching runs made a huge difference
Since Liam Delap pulled up with a hamstring injury on matchday three against Fulham, Chelsea have been limited in their ability to trouble opposition centre-backs.
João Pedro has been a good signing but evidently much prefers dropping deep and receiving the ball to feet, rather than making runs in behind.
Therefore, the introduction of Guiu at half-time was a breath of fresh air for Chelsea and his movement brought a new dimension to their play.
Guiu notably won the free kick from which Neto curled in the second goal for the away side but he played an important role in creating space throughout the second half.
The Spanish striker is not the only Chelsea player who can make runs in behind: Neto also did this well towards the end of last season. However, Guiu’s ability to hold the ball makes him unique in Delap’s absence.
Neto and Estêvão are both excellent right wing options
Perhaps another reason Neto is unlikely to play through the centre is due to the threat he has offered from wide areas so far this season.
Chelsea struggled to create chances in the first half but Neto was a bright spark, despite doubts over his availability ahead of the match.
He left the pitch in the 78th minute with a goal and an assist, with his pace causing Forest problems throughout the match.
Estêvão replaced him and offered something different but equally effective on the right flank.
Chelsea's winning goal scorer last time out drifted into different positions on the pitch and demonstrated his ability to take players on, through his technical skill with the ball instead of raw speed like Neto.
Pedro Neto and Estêvão have both had impactful performances in recent weeks. Source: Darren Walsh - Chelsea FC
The 19-year-old defender was one of few options available against Liverpool but put up an excellent display before his injury against the reigning champions.
Forest represented a different test but one he stood up to yet again, first against Taiwo Awoniyi then later Igor Jesus and Chris Wood.
Acheampong was one of two academy graduates to score for Chelsea, alongside captain Reece James.
However, the goal was not the only impressive aspect of his performance as he continued to show the composure which Chelsea fans have come to associate with him.
He was replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo, playing his first match since a short absence with a calf injury, in the 81st minute but has certainly put himself in a good position to retain his starting place as other, more experienced centre-backs return from injury.
Chelsea continue to threaten from set pieces
According to WhoScored, Chelsea have the joint most set piece goals in the Premier League this season with eight. They are tied with Arsenal, who have scored two penalties while Chelsea have scored one.
This means they are already ⅔ of the way towards equaling their tally of 12 from last season, which included four penalties.
Their second and third goals were directly created via very different set pieces - a free-kick on the edge of the box then an inswinging corner from the right.
It could also be said that the opening goal came about because of a set piece. The ball reached Neto on the left wing after Forest cleared his initial free kick delivery from the same flank.
Chelsea’s improved tactics around dead balls were first noted on matchday two against West Ham but they have continued to impress by adding to their tally against Fulham, Manchester United and Forest.