For Chelsea, European football remains a somewhat surprise ambition for next season, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side on the hunt for Conference and even Europa League football.
It’s been a roller coaster of a campaign for the Blues, who had been lingering in mid-table until a late flourish that has seen the the Todd Boehly era finally somewhat kick into gear late on in its second season.
At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest’s fate is almost sealed. Luton’s defeat at West Ham earlier on Saturday meant a major final day goal difference swing was needed for the Hatters to earn another year in the Premier League pending the result in Nottingham, and, though the remains the case, hope is as slim as can be.
Rob Edwards’ side have fought tooth and nail this season but the top division has been a step too far on this occasion. On 26 points, they are three short of Forest with a goal difference deficit of 12.
Narrow survival will be nothing to be celebrated for Nuno’s side. Their passionate owner Evangelos Marinakis had hoped to kick on this term following a season of consolidation. They can now almost start planning for another year in the top flight, but having to wait until next week for confirmation will be a frustration that will linger.
Nicolas Jackson scored the winner for Chelsea as their European hopes remained alive
When Nicolas Jackson jumped into the away end with eight minutes left on the clock, a collective groan could be heard around the City Ground, with fans knowing there was a slim chance of the impossible happening next week in Burnley. It would be typical of Forest’s season.
The stadium was silent as Tony Harrington blue the final whistle, with fans leaving glum and disappointed, a contrast to the feel inside the ground at the start of the game.
It was Forest who started the game the better side. Chelsea seemed somewhat nervous, perhaps anxious of the unexpected opportunity that has presented itself to them.
More to follow.