I sat next to ex-Blues striker Tony Cascarino to watch Chelsea draw 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at the weekend, and he was rubbing his eyes at the spectacle.

“This reminds me of Chelsea games against Liverpool in the dim, distant past,” said the lofty forward, whose spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge in the 90s. “Lots and lots of little passes, and one goal probably nicking it.”

The second half had just started after a goalless first 45 minutes when the net did indeed bulge. The only surprise was that the goal came from the visitors; Chris Wood in the right place at the right time. Seven minutes later it was 1-1 after Noni Madueke had fired into the far corner beyond Matz Sels’ grasp.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca paced the touchline, frustrated that his team couldn’t find a winner against Forest

And there the scoreline stubbornly remained, despite Forest’s influential free kick specialist James Ward-Prowse being sent off for a second yellow, and nine other cards being issued by ref Chris Kavanagh, many following an undignified melee (pictured, top) in the middle of the pitch borne largely of Chelsea frustration at being unable to find a winner. Even Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo had his name taken.

When fourth official Tony Harrington signalled there would be 13 minutes of added time there was a slew of substitutions and an onslaught of attacks by Chelsea, keen to keep pace with the Premier League leaders.

But to no avail. Forest held firm, rode their luck and clung on. To Blues fans (and the head-shaking Cascarino) it felt like precious points dropped.

Yet the real hero of the hour was Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez whose series of one-handed stops from set pieces and breakaway forays spared the home side’s blushes.

Despite having the lion’s share of attacks, the Blues had to settle for a draw against the visitors from Nottingham

“They had a line of five players inside the box, defending,” said manager Enzo Maresca afterwards. “But overall I like [my] team, and the way they are fighting.”

Chelsea currently play with two separate starting line-ups; one for cups, the other for the league. Maresca’s prayer is that key players such as Madueke, Sanchez and Cole Palmer return from the international break safe and sound, to keep the Premier League campaign on track.

He’ll be forced to make changes for the Blues’ next game, away to Liverpool on October 19. Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are now suspended for reaching five yellows.