Chelsea 1-1 Nottingham Forest: Chris Wood praised by Nuno Espirito Santo after Stamford Bridge stalemate

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has paid credit to Chris Wood after the forward helped Nottingham Forest earn a 1-1 draw at Chelsea in the Premier League.

Having lost their unbeaten record in a defeat to Fulham last weekend, Forest were under pressure to respond ahead of the international break.

The visitors appeared on course to replicate their victory at Liverpool earlier in the season when Wood put them into the lead soon after the break.

However, Noni Madueke equalised for Chelsea seven minutes later and Forest had to contend with the dismissal of James Ward-Prowse for two yellow cards as the match headed towards a conclusion.

To their credit, Forest still push for maximum points in the closing stages and were only denied by two excellent saves from Robert Sanchez.

What did Nuno have to say?

Wood has now scored four times in seven top-flight starts this campaign, as well as netting 10 times in the Premier League between Boxing Day and the end of 2023-24.

Speaking to MOTD2, Nuno said of the New Zealand international: "He is giving us good results. Chris is always there to deliver and we are happy for it."

© Imago

On the game itself, the Portuguese added: "The full game was a very good game with both teams trying. We played and created.

"The second half was very good for the spectators. We controlled the game well. There is no other way to play against big teams, if you don't unite then it's difficult.

"We blocked the middle of the park and dealt well with one v ones out wide. The game was stretched, we had a good chance and then Chelsea had a good chance. The goalkeepers were great at both ends."

What next for Forest?

With Forest having solidified their place in the top half of the standings and with away games at Liverpool and Chelsea out of the way, Nuno will be more than satisfied with 10 points from seven games.

There is now a 15-day gap before their next contest, a home encounter against a Crystal Palace who are one of four teams still without a win in the Premier League this season.