Midfielder Ryan Yates says Nottingham Forest’s comeback against Chelsea in the Premier League is “a step in the right direction”.
Right-back Serge Aurier showed great courage to cancel out Raheem Sterling’s goal with a fine equaliser.
It was the first point taken by Steve Cooper after going behind this season and extended his unbeaten home run to six games in all competitions.
“It’s great to show resilience to come back,” Yates told Sky Sports.
“I thought we were unlucky not to win based on the second half.
“It’s a step in the right direction. The manager just said at half-time, ‘Be more confident’. It’s something to build on – we’re not satisfied with drawing games at home but it’s a start. “
The point means Forest are 18th above Wolverhampton Wanderers and just fourth below West Ham United on goal difference.
Chelsea, who have now won just one back-to-back league games under Graham Potter since his appointment on September 8, are eighth above Brighton but seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.
Crowd drive forest to attract
In the first half Forest looked to use Brennan Johnson’s pace in behind the Chelsea defense and he came closest for the hosts in a one-on-one with Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Despite falling behind early on, the atmosphere at the City Ground built throughout the half, influenced in part by a crowd frustrated by the performance of referee Peter Banks.
Cooper’s side then got out of the blocks after the break, with Johnson saving an effort before Gibbs White rattled the underside of the bar with a superb strike.
Johnson and Taiwo O’Neill’s runs down the channels caused Chelsea problems throughout the game, but as has been the case all season – they have scored just 12 goals in 17 league games – they lacked significantly in the final third. was
It took a brilliant piece of finishing from defender Aurier to earn him a point but with Cooper set in his best XI and a vocal fan base, he looks set to retain his top-flight status. I will make a good fist.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Cooper said: “Everything we do at the moment is about how we build the team, the spirit and the identity.
“I know we didn’t win today but it was a good reference that we can play against the big teams in the league.
“We are in control of our destiny and we have to keep building.”
