Forest kicked off 2023 with a Premier League clash against Chelsea at The City Ground on Sunday afternoon.
Steve Cooper made two changes from Tuesday's trip to Manchester United as Dean Henderson and Morgan Gibbs-White returned to the starting eleven.
The visitors had the opening chance on Trentside, Kalidou Koulibaly found Mason Mount’s early run behind the defence, the England international showed a neat touch before shooting wide.
Gibbs-White played Brennan Johnson through, the winger showed good pace to get away from Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella but Kepa made an initial save before omfortably gathering the rebound.
Chelsea opened the scoring in fortunate fashion, Pulisic’s cross was flicked onto his own crossbar by Willy Boly with the loose ball fell kindly for Raheem Sterling to apply the finishing touch from close range.
Mount’s free-kick before the break found then found Kai Havertz’s run, the ball eventually falling for Christian Pulisic but his strike was comfortable for Dean Henderson in the Forest net.
Half time: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
The Reds came out on the front foot in the second half and began to push Chelsea back, Remo Freuler found Awoniyi inside the area, but Kepa was equal to his effort on the turn.
Moments later, Gibbs-White released Johnson on the right-hand side again, the Welshman burst into the penalty area but was denied again by Kepa.
Just before the hour mark, The Reds came within inches of an equaliser. Yates’ cross from the right found Gibbs-White and the attacking midfielder unleashed a powerful first-time effort on goal, only to see the ball rebound against the crossbar and bounce a yard in front of the line.
Minutes later, The Reds did get the equaliser they deserved. Gibbs-White’s corner was headed up into the air, Boly won the following header before Aurier chested the ball down and finished well from four yards out.
The visitors responded with a triple substitution as Conor Gallagher, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Hakim Ziyech entered the action for Graham Potter’s side before Jack Colback and Sam Surridge were introduced by Cooper.
The game was evenly balanced as the clock ticked towards the ninety, with Forest always looking a threat on the counterattack and Henderson remaining untroubled in his goal.
Following the late introduction of Neco Williams, Forest saw out the remaining moments including three added minutes to ensure the points were shared on Trentside.
Full time: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea
Nottingham Forest: Dean Henderson, Joe Worrall (C), Orel Mangala (Jack Colback 78'), Serge Aurier, Taiwo Awoniyi (Neco Williams 88'), Morgan Gibbs-White, Renan Lodi, Brennan Johnson (Sam Surridge 82'), Ryan Yates, Remo Freuler, Willy Boly
Substitutes: Wayne Hennessey, Scott McKenna, Steve Cook, Harry Toffolo, Lewis O'Brien, Emmanuel Dennis
Goals: Aurier (63’)
Chelsea: Kepa; César Azpilicueta (C), Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Jorginho (Hakim Ziyech 72'), Denis Zakaria (Mateo Kovacic 61’), Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling (Conor Gallagher 72'), Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic (Carney Chukwuemeka 87')
Substitutes: Marcus Bettinelli, Trevoh Chalobah, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson
Goals: Sterling (16’)
Attendance: 29,229