SOCCER: McFarlane rues Chelsea's poor start in Nottingham loss

Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane criticized his side’s slow start after a 3–1 Premier League home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday, a result that extended Chelsea’s losing streak in the league to six straight matches.

Nottingham Forest took control early when Taiwo Awoniyi scored inside two minutes before Igor Jesus converted a penalty in the 15th minute to double the visitors’ lead.

Awoniyi struck again just after halftime to put Forest firmly in command. Chelsea managed a late consolation through João Pedro in stoppage time, but it did little to change the outcome.

“Ultimately, the first 15 minutes was not acceptable,” McFarlane told reporters. “The early goal was a bit of a sucker punch. We know that they like to cross to the back post, and we know that the number nine likes to peel to the back post. We should defend that moment better.”

The defeat leaves ninth-placed Chelsea 10 points adrift of fifth place, effectively ending any remaining hopes of a top-five finish and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea will look to respond when they host fourth-placed Liverpool on Saturday.

-Reporting by Paras J. Haji in Bengaluru; Editing by Clarence Fernandez/Reuters