Striker Awoniyi (number 9) celebrates Nottingham's opening goal against Chelsea. Photo: Reuters

The match was effectively decided within the opening 15 minutes. Stamford Bridge fell silent in just the second minute when Dilane Bakwa easily bypassed Marc Cucurella on the right wing, delivering a cross for Taiwo Awoniyi to rise and head past Robert Sanchez. This marked Awoniyi's 100th appearance for Nottingham across all competitions, and his goal, scored after only 97 seconds, was the fastest away goal for the visitors in the Premier League this season. Chelsea's defense faced criticism for allowing the Nigerian striker to move freely at the back post, unmarked. According to Opta, this was the earliest away goal Chelsea had conceded in the Premier League since Jay Rodriguez's strike for Southampton in 12/2013.

The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge grew heavier in the 14th minute. Bakwa again troubled the right wing, crossing for Awoniyi, whose shirt was pulled by Malo Gusto inside the penalty area. Following VAR consultation, referee Anthony Taylor awarded Nottingham a penalty and booked the Chelsea defender. Igor Jesus seized the opportunity, striking the ball straight down the middle to make it 2-0. Nottingham became the first team to score two goals in the opening 15 minutes at Chelsea's home ground in the Premier League since Crystal Palace in 2017.

Despite maintaining possession and having more shots, Chelsea's efforts only amplified a sense of futility. Enzo Fernandez hit the post in the 11th minute, and Cole Palmer continued to disappoint. Towards the end of the first half, Chelsea were awarded a penalty following a strong head collision between Jesse Derry and Zach Abbott inside Nottingham's box.

The incident silenced the entire stadium as the 18-year-old striker Derry lay on the ground for about 10 minutes and had to be stretchered off in his first Premier League start. Abbott also could not continue playing due to a concussion. In that tense atmosphere, Palmer's penalty lacked the precision needed for Matz Sels to save it. This was only the second time Palmer had missed a penalty in the Premier League, following a saved shot in the match against Leicester in 5/2025. Former goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer commented on BBC Radio 5 Live: "That was a great save. The shot wasn't bad; Sels was simply too good".

Chelsea were booed as they left the field after the first half. "Chelsea fans had supported the team throughout the first half, but now they are completely enraged," journalist Nizaar Kinsella described.

Xuan Binh