‘SURREAL MOMENT’: JOSH ACHEAMPONG REFLECTS ON DEBUT CHELSEA GOAL
Chelsea's Josh Acheampong expressed his joy after scoring his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The academy graduate praised captain Reece James for his inspiration.
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea at City Ground on October 18, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
After scoring his first goal for his boyhood club and leading the Blues to an unforgettable 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, Josh Acheampong was ecstatic.
The youthful centre-back's brilliant header from Pedro Neto's cross after the interval opened the score, capping off an impressive performance. A well-executed set-piece gave the Portuguese winger a better angle at goal, which he took advantage of to double our lead and put his name on the scoresheet.
Six minutes from time, Reece James scored a close-range goal to end the game at the City Ground. He wheeled away to celebrate with the travelling fans after securing three points.
Josh was quick to thank the captain, who was playing in his 200th game for the Blues, for encouraging him and showing the 19-year-old that he could fulfil his dream of playing for Chelsea.
"Knowing that you can make it through the Academy and play for Chelsea's first squad is that inspiration," Josh said. I have had a lot of support from Reece and the other Academy players, for which I am incredibly thankful.
"Scoring was a really nice feeling." It is so unreal. It was a pretty pleasant experience, although I do not recall much of it. To be honest, I also do not recall many of the festivities. I must see it again!
Acheampong's response after Forest's triumph
See Josh Acheampong's reaction to Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the City Ground.
"It is great to score my first goal for Chelsea because I do not score many."
Regarding the team's performance, Acheampong thought we did a good job of countering Forest's quality and that the Blues were worth every point.
"They generated a lot of chances and it was a tough first half, but we also created a lot of chances," he added. "I am glad we were able to achieve that initial target, and maybe we can continue to improve."
Josh is aware that it will be crucial to keep up our momentum going into a hectic stretch of games after our thrilling triumph over Liverpool before the international break and our victory against Forest tonight.
"Of course, we are tremendously thrilled with the win," he continued. We discussed expanding on this, and perhaps we may do so in the upcoming games.
GOAL OF MONTH SHORTLIST INCLUDES WOLTEMADE’S BRILLIANT STRIKE
Newcastle's German star Leon Woltemade is nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month for his superb flick against Brighton. Vote now for the summer signing's improvised Amex finish.
Woltemade receives Goal of the Month nomination - Credit: Getty Images
Earlier this month, the Magpies fell 2-1 against Brighton, but the German international's incredible flick tied the score.
However, the summer acquisition, who has scored six goals for United since joining from Stuttgart in the summer, grabbed attention at the Amex Stadium with a superb improvised finish from Lewis Miley's low cross.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth, Zian Flemming and Loum Tchaouna of Burnley, Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Aston Villa's Emi Buendia, and Mo Salah of Liverpool are also on the shortlist.
Supporters of the Magpies may cast their votes for Woltemade by visiting here, and voting will begin at 1 pm GMT on Thursday, October 30. The winner will be revealed on Friday, November 7th at 1 pm GMT.
HUGE LISANDRO MARTINEZ UPDATE EMERGES AS UNITED PREPARE FOR FOREST ENCOUNTER
Manchester United receive a major boost as Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training. The Argentine defender has been out since February with a knee injury and is now closing in on a first-team return.
Martinez injury boost lifts United spirits ahead of Nottingham Forest trip - COURTESY/PHOTO
Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training, giving Manchester United a significant conditioning boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to first-team training for Manchester United, giving them a significant fitness boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Due to a serious knee injury sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, the Argentina international has not played for the 20-time English champions since early February.
However, Martinez has been speeding up his recuperation in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, the former Ajax centre-back was allowed to rejoin his teammates for training.
It is extremely doubtful that Martinez will play for Man United when they travel to Forest on Saturday, but the 27-year-old might return to the team for the match against Tottenham Hotspur on November 9.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United resumes training with the first team.
According to Man United head coach Ruben Amorim, "He’s feeling fine," last week. "I do not want to mention a single day or week because the knee is doing so wonderfully.
"I am not sure, but the team's training is about to begin. After that, Licha's rhythm will determine whether he places or not, but he is closer to starting training again.
The Red Devils will not be taking any chances with the Argentine because of the severity of the injury, and his return may be postponed until after the international break in November.
Luke Shaw's place in the starting lineup is now seriously threatened; therefore, Martinez's return is a significant boost for the 20-time English champions. Martinez is an expert in the left-sided role in the back three.
After joining Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the South American has made 91 appearances for the Red Devils, tallying three goals and three assists.