Chelsea players were determined not to let one thing happen in their win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, according to manager Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea were able to beat Forest 3-0 thanks to goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James.
It resulted in Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sacking Ange Postecoglou straight after the full-time whistle.
Before the game, Sean Dyche was linked with the Forest hot seat, so it would not be a surprise if the two-time Champions League winners now turned to the former Everton and Burnley boss.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca arriving at the City Ground
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Chelsea players were yelling ‘don’t concede’
Towards the end of Chelsea’s clash with Forest, Maresca‘s men were heard shouting as they warned each other not to concede a goal.
It was something that caught the attention of the Chelsea manager, who was discussing Malo Gusto’s red card.
Maresca said in his post-match press conference, which has been relayed by football.london: “At the same time, I have to say that the desire from the players, to not concede a goal. It’s important also, in the last four or five minutes they were shouting at each other, ‘don’t concede, don’t concede’.
“So, the second yellow card from us, for sure we can avoid that. But also show the desire that they were playing for a clean sheet, they don’t want to concede nothing. And it’s important also this.”
Maresca also spoke about Acheampong, explaining what the young defender has to do to keep his place in the team after an impressive display at the City Ground.
Acheampong has now started two consecutive games in the Premier League and could be in line for more appearances following Benoit Badiashile’s injury.
Badiashile is expected to be out until December in a blow to Chelsea. Alongside Acheampong, the Frenchman helped the Blues to secure all three points in their 2-1 win against Liverpool just before the international break.
Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Chelsea FC and SL Benfica
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chelsea’s defensive record this season
Chelsea’s clean sheet at the City Ground was their third of the campaign, so they are not doing too badly in that area.
Only Manchester City, Sunderland, Arsenal and Newcastle United have kept more than the Club World Cup winners.
They probably would have liked to have conceded fewer goals, though, having let in nine so far in eight games.
However, given that they have had three red cards in the Premier League this season, their defensive record could look a lot worse.