What a rollercoaster of emotions… especially during the 2nd half.
Chelsea returned to Premier League action today and against Brentford, it was always going to be a tough away day and given our track record there, no fan was completely optimistic.
A couple of lapses in concentration has ultimately cost us 3 points and going top of the league.
Chelsea go away to Bayern Munich on Wednesday before a visit to Old Trafford. A huge week ahead for the blues.
Sanchez: 6.5
Didn’t have much to do for majority of the first half and swept up most long balls , particularly one good sweeper moment where Hato was caught out. Made some vital saves to prevent Brentford winning but an overall good performance.
Fofana: 5.5
A tough evening out at RB, especially since his injury issues. You can tell he’s lacking match sharpness with his ground tackling and aerial duels.
Chalobah: 4
One quite a few aerial duels. But ultimately, was costly for the Brentford first goal. By stepping into aggressively just like he did against Fulham, but didn’t get away with it this time.
Tosin: 4
Could’ve done better for Brentford goal, at that point his 1 v 1 awareness and defending ultimately cost us. Wasn’t decisive and wasn’t aggressive enough to stop Schade.
Hato: 4.5
A decent full debut for our backup left back. Got caught out a few times defensively and struggled to keep up with a piece of the game a little bit but still some positive signs.
Caicedo: 6.5
Hold down the midfield quite well and mopped up any threat coming in from Brentford’s way. Needed to move the ball a bit quicker though in midfield when possession.
2nd half wow! A great performance and what a strike to put us in the lead, Caicedo’s shooting is cheat code for us.
Enzo: 7.5 (MOTM)
Signs of fluidity in his attacking game and helping out defensively but ultimately wasn’t moving the ball quick enough for 43 minutes of the game.
Second half Enzo stepped it up massively and was moving the ball quicker and covered in RB at times, some of his link up play especially with Neto was phenomenal to see at times.
Neto: 5
Made a decent start, but stopped taking on his man after. His risk taking on the ball wasn’t effective especially in the first half.
Second half performed quite well was causing Brentford some damage down the right hand side and looked a massive threat.
Buonanotte: 4
Had so many moments where he picked up the ball in the pocket but ended up going sideways all the time and somehow is allergic to shoot.
Gittens: 3
No signs of development and quite a poor performance from our new Winger. Clearly doesn’t look ready to be playing Premier League football at the moment.
Joao Pedro: 4
A reminiscent game to the Crystal Palace one where a solid defence meaning Pedro would be ineffective by trying to pick up the ball on either flank leaving the position quite open. Ineffective overall. A good leap and touch assist for Palmers goal.
Subs:
Cucurella: 5.5
HIs one v one defending was good but ultimately did take him time to settle into a physical game to find his usual rhythm
James: 6
Picked up the ball in midfield a few times and was moving the ball out wide quick as well. Started a few attacks as well to help us get back into the game.
George: 4
Looked a bit better on the left left-hand side compared to down the middle. Still a bit surprised that he started games even though he looks like he might be leaving.
Palmer: 7
I mean, wow talk about an impact from our star man! It was night and day to see the team that we looked like in the first and second half. Would have been high if he didn’t squander a second chance.
Garnacho: 5
A very mixed debut. Was heavily involved with Caicedo’s goal but single-handedly cost us from winning the game by poor defensive marking right at the death.
Maresca: 6
The starting 11 picked by the gaffer would have always raised eyebrows, especially with international breaks interfering.
His Substitutions did work during the second half but questionable team selection for many fans. This week is going to be tough for Maresca and the team with constant away games.
