The result at Stamford Bridge on Monday saw Nottingham Forest move six points clear of the relegation zone, while Chelsea remain ninth — ten points adrift of the Champions League places with four games left.
Pedro's 20th goal of the season, a spectacular overhead kick in the 93rd minute after controlling a Marc Cucurella header, was the only positive for Calum McFarlane's side. It also ended a nine-hour Premier League goal drought that had stretched across multiple fixtures.
The Brazilian was direct in his assessment.
"We need to improve. Everyone needs to step up, me included. We always talk to each other to find a way to win games. Last week we beat Leeds, this week it didn't happen. We need to find a way to be consistent."
He was equally candid about the damage done by Forest's two early goals, both arriving inside the opening 15 minutes through Taiwo Awoniyi and Igor Jesus.
"From the beginning, we conceded too early, which made it really difficult to turn the game around. We need to find a way not to make these mistakes every game. This is the Premier League — if you concede very early, it's difficult to come back."
The night also brought a significant scare when 18-year-old debutant Jesse Derry was stretchered off and taken to hospital following a head collision. Cole Palmer then failed to convert the resulting penalty, saved low by Matz Sels, to leave Chelsea two goals down at the interval.
Awoniyi completed his brace early in the second half to put the result beyond doubt.
Pedro was unambiguous about the relative value of the goal he scored.
"I just wanted to help my team, and it was a good goal, but if I could change that goal for three points, then I would be a lot happier now."
Chelsea face Liverpool at Anfield next Saturday.