Chelsea fans made their fury known before the full-time whistle of their 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest, although Calum McFarlane has insisted there are some positives to take from the game.
The Blues actually still had faith in qualifying for the Champions League before yesterday’s game, however their confidence will have taken a hit after being comfortably beaten by a second-string Forest side.
Chelsea did at least break their nine-hour goal drought in the league through a stunning Joao Pedro goal, although this did little to mask over the anger inside Stamford Bridge.
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Calum McFarlane says Jesse Derry debut and Levi Colwill returns are two positives from Chelsea’s defeat to Nottingham Forest
Things were supposed to have a far nicer feeling to them when it was announced that Jesse Derry was going to be making his first Premier League start, although this lasted less than 45 minutes due to a serious head injury.
The 18-year-old won a penalty with his final action on the pitch, however Cole Palmer was unable to convert to get Chelsea back in the game.
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
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Calum McFarlane insisted Derry’s debut was a positive the club could take from the game, as well as the return of Levi Colwill to action.
He said to Chelsea’s YouTube channel: “Yeah, probably one of the only positives today. Him (Colwill) and Jesse making his debut obviously. Great to have Levi back. We know what he brings to this team and hopefully he can help us moving forward.”
Colwill had not featured for the first team during the 2025/26 season due to a serious knee injury, and the hope now will be that he is ready to play significant minutes in the FA Cup final.
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Chelsea’s incompetence forced McFarlane into big Colwill risk
Woeful defending from both Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo forced the manager to throw the Cobham graduate into proceedings earlier than many believed would happen.
McFarlane even admitted he just wanted to see him before the end of the season, but here he was playing 45 minutes against an in-form Forest.
There would have been significant uproar if this appearance had caused him a setback in his recovery, but ultimately it looks like the Blues have escaped any serious consequences for now.
Chelsea desperately need to find defensive solutions before the final, and they will be hoping that the return of Colwill and Reece James will be the spark they need.
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