Everything went according to plan as far as Chelsea were concerned on the final day of the season as they confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League.
The Blues knew a win would see them guarantee a top five finish in the Premier League, and Levi Colwill’s goal early in the second half was enough to get them past fellow contenders Nottingham Forest.
Enzo Maresca joined in the mass celebrations at full-time, and he can take a lot of pride in making a number of tough decisions that paid off throughout the season, as well as in their final league game.
One of those included choosing to leave Romeo Lavia on the bench, as the midfield duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo allowed Reece James to retain his place in the side.
Another big call saw Trevoh Chalobah not start, and instead Tosin Adarabioyo brought into the starting side for the crucial fixture.
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Tosin Adarabioyo proves doubters wrong with immense performance for Chelsea vs Forest
Given Forest’s physical threat with Chris Wood up front, the Blues’ oldest outfield player completely neutralised his impact on proceedings.
Fulham manager Marco Silva previously described the defender as ‘quality’, and he will have perhaps known deep down that Chelsea had signed a player who could become a very important part of their side.
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As important as he has proven on the pitch, he has also made a big impact behind the scenes in his first season at the club.
Chelsea have been so impressed by Tosin’s leadership skills, even if he has not been donning the captain’s armband on the pitch.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Tosin’s stats from incredible performance vs Forest
It could be easy to be overshadowed when your central defensive partner scores the winning goal, however Tosin didn’t let that happen with his imperious display at the back.
Tosin vs Nottingham Forest Total
Minutes 90
Clearances 12
Defensive actions 13
Duels won 4/6
Passes completed 52/58
Something that was notable about his performance was his ability to split the lines with his passes into midfield. This has normally been the job of Colwill, but Maresca wants all of his side to be comfortable making these passes.
Chelsea have been linked to a number of centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, and now they can offer Champions League football they will have an extra factor to sell when pitching their project.
However, the Blues should not forget about the job Tosin has done this season, and how important he was in getting them where they are today.