Kepa’s fine form in goal continued as Chelsea drew 0-0 with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Spaniard made a number of fine saves to maintain his clean sheet. At the other end of the pitch, it was a lacklustre performance from Chelsea’s attack, who struggled to create chances.
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 9/10
Another flawless performance from the Spaniard who made a whole plethora of saves to keep the Chelsea clean sheet today. Kepa looked full of confidence with the ball at his feet and denied the dangerous Toney multiple times. A brilliant close-range save from a Toney header to tip the ball over the bar was the pick of the bunch.
César Azpilicueta- 8/10
Chelsea’s captain’s good form under Graham Potter continued with another clean sheet. The Spaniard looked at the top of his defensive game, making some strong challenges and blocks at the back. He could have had an assist when his cross flew just past the head of Broja.
Trevoh Chalobah- 7/10
Brought into the centre of a back three in place of the rested Silva, Chalobah continued to impress under Potter. He made a great block early on after a big error by Koulibaly. Throughout the game the young defender controlled his defence well.
Kalidou Koulibaly- 6/10
A performance that didn’t quite match the high standards Koulibaly has been setting over recent weeks. He was saved by Chalobah after a big error to allow Onyeka past him early on. He grew into the game as it progressed, however, making a good block later on to deny Janelt.
Marc Cucurella- 5/10
A poor start from Cucurella, who was caught way out of position before a cross which found Toney almost led to a goal. The Spaniard improved slightly over the half, making a good sliding tackle to break down a Brentford attack. He played a dangerous cross to Havertz which could have led to a goal.
Jorginho- 7/10
A passing masterclass from Jorginho tonight. The Italian made 89 passes in the game, with a 91% accuracy. It was good to see more dangerous passes attempted as well. Defensively there was a shaky moment early on when he was easily beaten for pace by Henry.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 6/10
Pushed out to wingback, Loftus-Cheek looked slightly uncomfortable in the early stages of the game. He struggled in the first half, and a wild shot that flew way over the bar summed up a poor 45 minutes. He improved in the second half, however, playing an impressive cross which just missed the head of Havertz.
Connor Gallagher- N/A
Came off due to sickness.
Mason Mount- 6/10
One of the only players to have started every game under Graham Potter was named in the starting lineup yet again today. Mount played some fluid passes but struggled to have any real impact going forward before being subbed early in the second half.
Kai Havertz- 4/10
Another lacklustre performance from the German who posed little to no threat to the Brentford defence. Far too often Havertz was slow in possession. A half-hearted shot straight at Raya was his most dangerous moment.
Armando Broja- 7/10
A lively performance from Broja, who was finally given his chance to start for Chelsea. He displayed his ability with the ball at his feet with an early roulette. Also on show was his incredible speed, multiple times roaring past Ben Mee. He will be disappointed not to have got a goal, as a fine Azpilicueta cross whistled inches past his head.
Subs
Mateo Kovačić- 6/10
An early injury to Gallagher saw the Croatian introduced early in the first half. Kovačić played some good passes and displayed some nice dribbling. He struggled to have an attacking threat, with a speculative effort that flew over the bar the closest he came.
Christian Pulisic- 8/10
A very impressive cameo from the American, who will feel aggrieved not to have been given the chance from the start. Some fantastic dribbling created a chance for Havertz. Pulisic also showed off his speed and liveliness, perhaps a message to Potter.
Carney Chukwuemeka- 6/10
The young man looked impressive with the ball at his feet, dribbling with speed and power. He found himself in a good position multiple times, just failing to find the right ball. In the final moments, he made a poor choice to shoot, when a pass across goal to Sterling would’ve been the better option – although perhaps he did not see his teammate.
Raheem Sterling- 5/10
A disappointing performance off the bench from Sterling. He broke through the Brentford defence but failed to get the ball out of his feet quickly, before seeing his shot blocked. A hopeless, looping ball straight into the hands of Raya summed up Chelsea’s toothless attack.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- N/A
Graham Potter- 6/10
Perhaps for the first time during his time at Chelsea, Graham Potter may have made an incorrect call. Starting Havertz over Pulisic looked to be an error after the American came on and completely changed Chelsea’s attack. However, a draw away to Brentford is not a bad result, and another clean sheet for the Blues is a positive sign.
Twitter- @Kieranroy1
