Nottingham Forest 0 Chelsea 1: Blues star who got Tricky Trees promoted ruins their Champions League dream
LEVI COLWILL netted a rare and lucrative goal which propelled Chelsea's billion-pound boys' club into the Champions League after a two-year absence.
And for
5
Chelsea secured Champions League football with a narrow win over Nottingham Forest
Credit: Getty
5
A 50th-minute goal from Levi Colwill secured the west Londoners a 1-0 win at the City Ground
Credit: Getty
5
Enzo Maresca's troops will dine at the top table of European football next season
Credit: PA
It was the
Huddersfield Town
, which earned Forest promotion to the top flight in the
Championship
Play-Off Final of 2022.
But early in the second half, the
And Chelsea now head to
Poland
for Wednesday's Europa Conference League Final against
Real Betis
, knowing they are assured of a place back in the elite.
This result ensured that
Stamford Bridge
and will allow Todd Boehly & Co to argue that their policy of bulk-buying young players on long contracts is beginning to bear fruit.
After a tense match of few chances, Nuno Espirito Santo's men ended up in seventh place, which earns them a place in the Conference League
next
term.
This season had promised far more from Forest, who were up in the top three of the Premier League for the majority of the campaign.
But they have taken just one point from their final four home matches, which ultimately killed off their ambitions of playing in a higher echelon of European competition.
For Chelsea, this was only a second Premier League away game since December.
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5
They were playing without a recognised centre-forward in their starting line-up -
Pedro
Neto
operating as a 'false nine' in the absence of the suspended
Nicolas Jackson
.
While Forest had looked nailed-on for the Champions League for much of the season, a return to European football had already been secured after a 30-year hiatus.
Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero's welcome at Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
And a banner reading 'Destination: Europe' was unfurled on the Trent End.
Before kick-off, Gary Neville - banned from the City Ground for criticising Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis - was being widely accused of indulging in one-in-a-bed romps.
But on the pitch, it was deathly dull early on - neither side bearing any attacking
teeth
, with Forest wasteful from set-pieces.
It took almost half an hour for a serious scoring opportunity to arise -
England
man centring for Neto to volley over.
Almost immediately, Elliott Anderson responded for Forest with a dipping long-ranger which fell wide of the far post.
Largely, though, it was anxious and fractious stop-start stuff - Chelsea's players doing an awful lot of falling over, with ref Anthony Taylor rarely responsive.
There were penalty shouts from the Forest fans when
Anthony Elanga
went down after a tangle with Palmer, but Taylor and his VAR were not interested.
5
Levi Colwill scored an own goal in the 2021/22 play-off final against Nottingham Forest
Credit: PA
Just before half-time,
Ola Aina
swung in a cross from the right,
Chris Wood
arrived before keeper Robert Sanchez, but the Kiwi
striker
volleyed over.
At the start of the second half, Chelsea were showing more intent, and within four minutes of the restart, they were ahead.
A corner was partially cleared, but a
Soon, Madueke's shot was scooped clear by
Nuno sent on former Chelsea man
Read more on the Irish Sun
But Forest struggled to turn a spell of territorial advantage into goalscoring opportunities, although Wood had a close-range effort deflected over in injury time.
And Chelsea were able to secure qualification for the Champions League in a relatively comfortable fashion.
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The 42
an hour ago
- The 42
A deal two years in making - How Brentford finally made it a smooth Liverpool exit for Kelleher
IT WAS ONLY a couple of weeks before the Premier League season finished when Brentford knew they would need to sign a new goalkeeper. That's when it became clear that Mark Flekken, their 31-year-old Netherlands international, was a top priority for Bayer Leverkusen and heading to Germany once the transfer window opened. Head coach Xabi Alonso may have been leaving for Real Madrid but former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was set to be installed as his replacement. Leverkusen came second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and the added carrot of Champions League football was enough to lure Brentford's No.1 away. Suddenly, the side that finished 10th in the Premier League last season now had to act quickly, although that didn't mean decisions were made in panic. Technical director Lee Dykes and sporting director Phil Giles already had a shortlist of goalkeepers prepared, influenced predominantly by the research and data analysis that owner Matthew Benham puts at the forefront of the club's recruitment model. Brentford have data coverage on 85,000 players at the very beginning of their process and whittle that down to up to six options for each position. It was then that Dykes and Giles met internally to discuss their plan of action with head coach Thomas Frank and his extended staff. Kelleher (left) with Nathan Collins on Ireland duty. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO They had the names of three goalkeepers on the list, but only one was unanimously agreed upon as their top target: Caoimhín Kelleher. It would, as sources explained to The 42, turn out to be as smooth a deal as you are likely to get at this level of the game. While the alternatives to Kelleher were discussed, they were not considered in the same depth once all facets were considered: in every sense, now was the perfect time for this transfer to happen. Brentford's focus was on getting a deal done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Kelleher had already been high on their radar two years previously, when then first choice David Raya was preparing to leave on loan for Arsenal before joining the Gunners permanently. Timing worked against both parties then as Kelleher was just two seasons into a five-year contract. Advertisement The cost to get him out of Anfield would have been far higher than the initial €14 million (rising to €21.3m with around €3m due to Ringhmahon Rangers) paid this week. More prohibitive was Liverpool's refusal to want to sell given former boss Jurgen Klopp rated Kelleher as the best No.2 in world football. The Republic of Ireland international turned 26 last November and also switched agencies in February – the same group that represents Virgil van Dijk – as he prepared to enter the final season of that deal signed in 2021. As much as stats and data inform so much of Brentford's decision making, there are also a significant amount of background checks about a player's character and personality, both on and off the pitch, before progressing with any deal. Naturally, Kelleher's international teammate Nathan Collins provided a glowing reference while Frank didn't have to look far on his own staff given former Ireland assistant Keith Andrews, who worked with the goalkeeper at both U21 and senior level, joined the club ahead of last season. But it would be more than friendly faces that would get a deal over the line. Kelleher's temperament and emotional intelligence were cited. Again, had his personality profile been different Brentford still would have pursued the deal because of what the stats, and their eyes, were telling them. 'He is obsessed with improving. His best quality is his agility and he is a clever goalkeeper, with positioning and awareness being key elements of his game,' first-team goalkeeper coach Manu Sotelo said when the signing was confirmed. Kelleher makes a save from Bruno Guimares in last season's Carabao Cup final. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 'With us, I'm confident he will achieve the next level in terms of performance and show the potential he has.' Last season, Brentford's tally of 647 shots was the second-most conceded. Yet only 80 of those were deemed 'big chances' and the total of 233 shots faced from outside the box was more than any other side in the Premier League last season. What Brentford anticipate is that Kelleher will make the difference with those chances that rivals should be scoring, their analysis during his time with Liverpool and Ireland highlighting that he is capable of making big saves in big moments, while also relieving pressure on his team in crucial moments of games. Like the striker who doesn't just score the third or fourth in a five-goal rout, Kelleher is a goalkeeper who delivers for his team when the outcome is still in the balance. A very brilliant reminder of such quality came for Ireland against Senegal on Friday when he made a stunning fingertip save (below) from a powerful header that looked destined for the top corner. Once Brentford and Liverpool were able to agree the terms of the transfer and it began to filter out, rival clubs were surprised by how cheaply they were able to get Kelleher out of Anfield. Even with a year left on his contract it was seen as more clever business. Still, as much as things were going smoothly there were still fears at Brentford that they could be gazumped, right up until last week when Kelleher visited Frank and some of the technical staff for a detailed presentation to convince him this was the club where he could be tested at the highest level while still have an emphasis on developing even further. One joke is that the presentation could have just been putting Collins' face on the screen and detailing how he has been able to progress and mature, becoming the only outfielder to play in every minute of the Premier League last season. Kelleher in action for Liverpool against Brentford during the 2023/24 season. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Like Raya before him, Kelleher is viewed as a goalkeeper whose ceiling as a No.1 is yet to reached, and as much as that was laid out to him there was also acknowledgement that next season will be different in many ways. The challenge laid out to Kelleher, one that excited him and made him keen to join, was that he would have to show on a consistent basis each week that he was ready to perform as a first choice, shifting that mindset week in week out. Brentford are adamant it will not be an issue, and even the narrative around Kelleher will change this season. Excluding the three relegated teams and three who earned promotion from the Championship, only Brighton's Bart Verbruggen (22) will be a younger No.1 at the start of this season. The future of head coach Frank may now be up in the air as Tottenham Hotspur reportedly want him to succeed the sacked Ange Postecoglou, but Brentford are adamant they're getting Kelleher before he truly hits his peak. The work will soon begin on ensuring he can reach it.
Extra.ie
2 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Leinster respond after recent criticism clearly touched a nerve
It's been 36 days since Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final defeat by Northampton. Yesterday, the home side played like a team who were fed up of hearing about it. The entire operation has been copping it since their seemingly unstoppable charge to a fifth and belated European title was derailed in Dublin on May 3. All the recent criticism has clearly touched a nerve. On the night before this game, the province's media team put up a 30-second video showing some less than complimentary headlines in the wake of the flawed Scarlets win, with the caption: 'We're not here to prove people wrong. We're here to prove ourselves right.' Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile The mental fortitude of this injury-hit squad has been questioned in recent times. Had they checked out after their latest Champions Cup failure? Those noises grew louder in the wake of last week's laboured, nervy and error-strewn quarter-final win against Scarlets. This was a resounding response to all the recent flak. There were just 15,762 spectators in attendance for yesterday's game. There were vast swatches of empty seats. This felt more like a pre-season game than a URC semi-final. We wondered how this Leinster team would pitch up against an in-form Glasgow side, the reigning champions, who fancied their chances, especially when they learned that Josh van der Flier and Hugo Keenan had joined Caelan Doris, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose and Tadhg Furlong on the sidelines this week. Still, Leo Cullen was able to name a matchday squad featuring eight Oz-bound Lions, an All Black and a Springbok. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile And no shortage of the big names fronted up. Dan Sheehan was the pick of the bunch. Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton were in attendance and the Lions head coach – and one of his right-hand men in Australia – will have pencilled Sheehan in to start the first Test against Joe Schmidt's Wallabies in Brisbane on July 19. Porter, Ryan, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe won't be far from the Test team either. It would be fascinating to hear what Farrell and Sexton made of Sam Prendergast's performance. On a day of so many positives, the Leinster No10 delivered another mixed display. Yes, Prendergast ran a rejuvenated attack with real presence but he had an off day with the boot while his defence will be scrutinised again. It's worth remembering that Prendergast is only 22 and still learning on the job in a team with such lofty ambitions. That's the thing about Leinster and all the recent criticism. A lot of it has been justified. This team should be winning trophies. They should go on and claim a first league title since 2021 next weekend. They should be stockpiling URC trophies, especially when they play like this. Leinster have a dozen Lions in their ranks. They have set the bar high. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile There was an urgency about Leinster yesterday which had been sorely lacking in recent weeks. There was real venom in every carry, clearout and kick chase. Save for George Horne's early try, Leinster dominated possession and territory during a first-half display which was laced with intent. Glasgow looked lost long before they found sanctuary in the dressing room at the break. Save for the brilliant Sione Tuipolutu, they struggled to make an impact. When Horne fumbled a routine pass in the dying minutes of the first half, it summed up a fairly miserable opening 40 minutes for the visitors. It was fitting that Sheehan was the one credited with Leinster's fourth try of the first half after the Leinster pack – and half the home backline – had mauled they way over the Glasgow line. The Leinster hooker was a force of nature and caused Glasgow all sorts of problems with his carrying and energy. It was Sheehan who breached their line after just two minutes, scything through without a hand on him. It was the fourth time that Sheehan had carried the ball during a relentless opening attack. It was an ominous sign of what was to come. Sheehan was one of the standout performers but Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Jordie Barrett and Jimmy O'Brien weren't far behind. Tommy O'Brien and James Lowe were brimming with energy and purpose. Jamie Osborne was having a big game, too. The young midfielder has been denied a try at one stage but made amends a few minutes later when he was the beneficiary of some slick handling from Barrett, O'Brien and Lowe. That score was the epitome of Leinster's approach yesterday. It was slick, direct and devastating. It felt like the hosts were exorcising a few demons in real time. This didn't look like a team which had checked out. The 25-5 half-time score told its own story. Franco Smith replaced his out-half Adam Hastings with Stafford McDowall at the break, the Glasgow boss hoping the powerful centre's presence might halt some of the one-way traffic in the second half. Leinster players after their Champions Cup defeat by Northampton. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Leinster didn't let the foot off the pedal. They continued to attack in waves. Smith replaced half his front five to inject some much-needed energy into a team which looked overwhelmed. When Osborne crashed over for his second try, you wondered if Leinster were going to better the 52-0 rout of the same opponents at this venue in April. Cullen then called Sheehan, Porter, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan and Barrett ashore with 25 minutes left to play. Thoughts were already turning to Saturday's final at Croke Park. Soon Ciaran Frawley – one of the second-half cavalry – was crossing for another try. The floodgates had well and truly opened. This was a procession long before the final whistle. Even the concession of few late tries and a late downpour couldn't dampen the mood inside the stadium. A repeat of the same intensity, cohesion and accuracy next weekend will finally secure some coveted silverware. The URC was not the title this squad craved this season but they need something to show for their efforts. The scar tissue from the Champions Cup remains but this felt like the beginning of the healing process. This was some response after a difficult time for the club. Shame there weren't more people here to witness it. Leinster are box office when they're in this kind of mood.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Heimir Hallgrimsson responds to Brian Kerr's criticism of a key decision
Heimir Hallgrímsson has batted away criticism from Brian Kerr of Ireland's summer friendly opposition. The Boys in Green impressed in Friday night's 1-1 draw with African giants Senegal, and on Tuesday they are away to Luxembourg. Former Ireland boss Kerr was speaking back in March when he questioned the wisdom of playing both countries - particularly Senegal - ahead of the World Cup qualifiers later this year. 'I don't know what the point is of playing Senegal, given that we are going to be playing either Denmark or Portugal,' he said, ahead of Portugal's win over Denmark, which put them into Ireland's group. 'Our next matches are against Hungary, Denmark or Portugal and Armenia, so I don't really get that one.' It should be noted that during Kerr's time as manager, Ireland played Australia, Canada, Brazil, Nigeria, Jamaica and China in friendlies around European and World Cup qualification games. Hallgrímsson wasn't aware of this, but was quick to respond with an explanation for the choice of Senegal as summer friendly opponents. 'I'll answer this one and it's a really easy answer,' he said. 'First of all, it was difficult to find an opponent in this window because a lot of the teams are playing World Cup and others already decided who they would play in friendlies so there was not a lot of options. 'Senegal was playing England and that is a world-class opponent and we wanted a strong opponent. 'Like I said inside, we wanted to play a really strong team and that was probably the strongest we could get. 'It wouldn't have been the correct way to do it, to play maybe two teams below us in the FIFA rankings. It wouldn't be the same. 'To play different opponents is healthy and challenging for the players, with different kinds of threats and we can develop our game playing against opponents like these. 'And if we qualify for the World Cup, we need to play teams from Africa, Asia etc so it's a good preparation. 'There is not a lot of games we can have if we qualify to play these opponents.' There were plenty of positives to take from Friday's game, including individual performances from players such as Ryan Manning, Will Smallbone and goalscorer Kasey McAteer. On Southampton's Manning, who played in an advanced role ahead of Robbie Brady, often drifting inside to allow Brady space to attack, or dropping back to cover for the Preston man, Hallgrímsson was delighted with his display. 'He is growing in this role that we have given him, he is getting to start game after game now so you can see his understanding of the tactics,' said the former Iceland and Jamaica manager. 'He is a player who can create and is quick. For me also, when Robbie is higher he can drop in and be the left back so that is really a good positive thing, their cooperation has been really good. 'He is a genuine good player but the best thing for me is that he can play more than one position. That helps us a lot in how we want to play. 'We want players to take action and then (for others) to fill up and react to that position. Him and Robbie have done a good job playing together.' As for fellow-Saints player Smallbone, he said: 'We haven't had a chance to work with Will a lot, so he was one we wanted to see in action. That is the purpose of giving players a chance. 'Everyone should come in with the thought 'I'm going to use this opportunity to my benefit and cement my name in the starting line-up or squad from now on.'
