The England defender scored the only goal of the game at the City Ground to seal a place back at Europe's top table
Chelsea will be playing Champions League football next season after Levi Colwill scored the only goal of the game in a tense, cagey clash with Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season.
Both clubs knew they had to win to have a chance of a top-five berth, although Chelsea's task was somewhat easier, given they were not relying on results elsewhere, and Enzo Maresca's men got the job done to confirm a fourth-placed finish, even if it was hardly a classic at the City Ground.
A tight first-half did not throw up a clear goal-scoring opportunity until the 43rd minute, and it fell to the hosts, but Chris Wood could only fire over the bar from close-range after Ola Aina's fine delivery. Four minutes into the second half, though, Chelsea had the lead. A scramble in the box saw the ball fall to Pedro Neto, and he sent it towards Colwill, who tapped in at the back post.
Despite the intense pressure on both sides, or perhaps because of it, the game was reduced once more to a midfield battle in the second half, which suited the Blues, given their narrow advantage.
Wood did have a huge chance to level in injury-time, but he scooped his effort over the crossbar, as the Blues, not the hosts, won the golden ticket into Europe's elite club competition.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the City Ground…
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Robert Sanchez (6/10):
Surprisingly, given the stakes involved in the game, he didn't have an awful lot to do.
Reece James (6/10):
Played a reserved role at full-back but was rarely beaten down his side and kept possession ticking when it came to him.
Tosin Adarabioyo (7/10):
Got caught when he stepped out in the first half. Grew into the game and dominated aerially, which is no mean feat against Wood.
Levi Colwill (8/10):
Fine finish at the back post to give Chelsea the lead. Easily the most important goal he will score for the Blues, and a fine defensive display too.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Wasn't as adventurous as usual, likely due to Forest's pace on the flanks, but gave Elanga next to nothing to work with, and that was his main task.
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Enzo Fernandez (5/10):
Not as economical in possession as he can be and Chelsea struggled for rhythm in their build-up as a result. A frustrating afternoon.
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Fortunate to avoid a yellow card for a late challenge on Gibbs-White in the first half. Busy throughout, mopping up well in the No.6 position.
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Noni Madueke (7/10):
Some purposeful dribbles. Mucked in defensively too in a hard-working performance prior to his sub.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Mostly peripheral but he always carries such a threat. Interchanged with Neto throughout.
Pedro Neto (6/10):
Regularly swapped positions with Palmer, as they each took turns leading the line. Hooked a chance over the bar on the half-hour mark but looked lively.
Jadon Sancho (3/10):
Completely anonymous until he was subbed for Lavia. Performances like this won't keep him at Stamford Bridge.
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Romeo Lavia (6/10):
On for Sancho. One wild effort went over the bar.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
A second-half sub for Neto. Went into a back five as Chelsea ran down the clock.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (6/10):
On for Madueke with five minutes to go.
Enzo Maresca (8/10):
A fine defensive performance was the bedrock of this win. Maresca may not have instructed his side to play expansively, but they got over the line at Forest's expense. Mission accomplished.
