'We're almost there now' – Sels urges Forest to get over the line in relegation fight

  /  autty

Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels has urged his team-mates to secure their Premier League status for another season, insisting "we're almost there now".

Forest moved six points clear of the relegation zone, with three games to go, after a stunning 3-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Taiwo Awoniyi scored either side of Igor Jesus' penalty, with Joao Pedro scoring a late consolation for the home side.

Forest have now gone unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions for the first time since January 2016 (13), and for the first time as a top-flight side since November 1995 (10).

Sels played a crucial role in the win, saving Cole Palmer's penalty at 2-0, and the goalkeeper is desperate to get over the line in the relegation battle.

He told Sky Sports: "I was happy to help the team in a crucial moment and this win is massive for us. Still three games to play not yet done but we're almost there now."

"In the last few weeks we did really well, didn't lose a lot of games. We are doing well, the gaffer brings a lot of positive energy.

"He changed a lot of players but [Dilane] Bakwa, Taiwo [Awoniyi], they performed really well.

"Really happy for them because they don't always play but they've showed they can be there so really happy for these guys."

Vitor Pereira made eight changes to his starting XI, with Forest's Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa approaching on Thursday, bringing Awoniyi in from the start for his 100th appearance for the club.

He scored his third Premier League brace, with two of them coming away to Chelsea; he is the third visiting player to score 2+ goals in two different away games against the Blues in the competition, after Craig Bellamy and Robin van Persie.

This was just Awoniyi's second start of the season, though the striker was glad to step up.

"Football is a team game, everyone needs to be ready and it's not about everyone starting it's about the team," Awoniyi told Sky Sports.

"Kudos to the manager and the staff - not only the people on the ground but the nutritionists, physio.

"It's all about the team and looking forward to the next game. I believe it could be an amazing season for us."

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