Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Brentford made Chelsea sweat in injury time but couldn’t claw back a 2-0 deficit at Stamford Bridge.
Brentford will feel disappointed not to have got something from a tricky fixture against Chelsea as they make the very short trip back across West London.
Enzo Maresca’s side dominated the match but Thomas Frank’s well-organised Bees outfit made the hosts work for their three points. Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson were on target for Chelsea with Bryan Mbeumo bagging a late goal with 90 minutes on the clock.
Should Fabio Carvalho’s shot have bounced the other since of the goal line, it could have been a resolute point for Frank’s men but it wasn’t to be under the lights at the Bridge. Here’s how the Brentford players rated.
GK - Mark Flekken, 8
Mark Flekken in action against Chelsea.Mark Flekken in action against Chelsea.
Mark Flekken in action against Chelsea. | AFP via Getty Images
A very busy night for the Brentford goalkeeper, who made a number of good saves. Some of his distribution could have been better but that was a tough side to face for any shot stopper.
LWB - Keane Lewis-Potter, 6
Knew he had his work cut out tonight but looked up for the challenge. Noni Madueke was purring but could have caused more damage if not for a pretty diligent performance. Only had the rare chance to get forwards and, in those moments, looked like he could have caused a couple problems if not restricted by a more defensive role.
CB - Sepp Van Den Berg, 6
Carried the ball forwards well at times in the first half but ended up with his back to the wall for most the game.
CB - Ethan Pinnock, 8
Brentford lost tonight but that was a pretty monumental shift from the centre-back, putting his body on the line multiple times.
CB - Nathan Collins, 5
Looked a little terrified when run at by Chelsea and clearly tired as the game went on, whereas the Chelsea pace stayed relentless.
RWB - Mads Roerslev, 6
Had so much asked from him tonight and couldn’t quite meet those expectations. Impressed when dealing with one Chelsea break on his own in the first half but the Blues found more and more space on that side. Cucurella drifted in from his flank to score the first.
CM - Mikkel Damsgaard, 6
Mikkel Damsgaard battles with Malo Gusto.Mikkel Damsgaard battles with Malo Gusto.
Mikkel Damsgaard battles with Malo Gusto. | Getty Images
Some wily defensive work put in and willing to run as Chelsea sprayed the ball around but struggled for influence in centre midfield. Put in a rubbish corner in the first half.
CM - Yehor Yarmoliuk, 7
Looked to be forward thinking when he could and turned in a busy performance at Stamford Bridge, in constant communication with Thomas Frank during the first half.
CM - Christian Norgaard, 7
Some neat defensive work and helped marshal the Brentford side, who were in this game for large parts. Had a couple decent volley chances from a corner, fluffing the first and then hitting the target with the second, but could have done better there.
ST - Yoane Wissa, 4
A quiet night for Wissa at Stamford Bridge.A quiet night for Wissa at Stamford Bridge.
A quiet night for Wissa at Stamford Bridge. | Getty Images
Really not at it tonight. Offered little up front before his substitution.
ST - Bryan Mbeumo, 8
Was clearly the one who was going to score if Brentford were to find a way back into the game and did look a threat. Took his goal well but it wasn’t quite early enough to give the Bees chance of a comeback.
SUB - Vitaly Janelt, 7
Fed a glorious ball through for Mbeumo after coming on but Sanchez saved well.
SUB - Krisotffer Ajer, 7
Also the architect of a brilliant cross, his falling into the path of Carvalho.
SUB - Fabio Carvalho, 8
That chance from Ajer was his moment to make a difference and he came so close to doing that.
Provided a different threat to Wissa and Brentford were a more dangerous side with his work up top.
A quiet cameo from the bench.
Continue Reading