Chelsea secured a giant victory against Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
It was a real coming of age for the young Chelsea team on Sunday afternoon, winning 1-0 away against Forest.
The Blues knew that a top-five finish would be guaranteed with three points at the City Ground. Ultimately, Levi Colwill was the hero for the visitors with a simple finish in the 50th minute.
Due to results elsewhere, Enzo Maresca finished fourth in the Premier League during his debut season as the head coach.
Enzo Maresca’s target at Chelsea was to deliver Champions League football in his first year, and he’s achieved that in dramatic fashion on the final day. It makes the Conference League final against Real Betis next Wednesday feel like a sweeter occasion.
Chelsea fans claim Reece James delivered a captain’s performance
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media absolutely loved the display from Reece James at right-back against Forest.
Blues fans on X were all saying that the club captain led by example and was majorly impressive.
One fan said: “Finally, Reece James showing initiative!”
“Finally, he becoming a true captain,” another said.
One supporter commented: “What a player. What a captain.”
“Captain energy! He’s fired up and leading from the front,” another posted.
It’s well documented that James has struggled with injuries across recent seasons. However, the 25-year-old’s still a top-class performer when he does get on the pitch. Thankfully, that’s been quite a lot in 2025.
Gary Cahill rates Reece James as one of Europe’s elite full-backs when he’s playing. If he can stay fit, he’s such a key part of the squad and the plans at Stamford Bridge.
James, along with the rest of the Chelsea backline, dug in against Forest with a resilient display.
Back in March, Enzo Maresca praised Reece James’ leadership, and it’s clear to us that he’s growing in stature as the skipper.
Reece James statistics against Nottingham Forest
It wasn’t a vintage performance in Chelsea’s tense win against Forest, but they showed a resilience that hasn’t always been there this season.
For James, he proved why a lot of fans prefer him at right-back over central midfield.
Here is a look at his individual statistics this weekend at the City Ground.
| Minutes played | Accurate passes | Blocks | Clearances | Recoveries | Dribbled past | Fouls committed | Match rating |
| 90 | 47/52 (87%) | 2 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 6.9 |
There might not be a lot of Champions League experience within Chelsea’s group as they prepare for next year, but James is one of the few to play in Europe’s elite club competition. He was a key figure when the Blues won the competition in 2021, too.
Enzo Maresca previously claimed Reece James makes Chelsea better, something we think is a very popular opinion.
