Chelsea practically wrestled the win out of Brentford’s clutches at the Brentford Community Stadium in a hard-fought 1-0 win. A clean half-volley from Ben Chilwell saw the Blues hold on for dear life and see out the win. It was a magnificent team effort, but how did the player’s fare individually:
Edouard Mendy, Keeper:10+5
Mendy was not given enough credit last season because he was supposedly protected by the defense. In reality, he was protecting the defense, as he has shown this season. Unfortunately we live in a world where a goalkeeper needs to be behind a less than stellar backline to prove his prowess. Chelsea was on the ropes in the final 15 minutes of the Brentford game and Mendy single-handedly kept them in it.
Trevoh Chalobah, Centerback: 7.5
Chalobah was very good defensively, which is what you need him to be. He won just 1 out of 8 contested aerial duels though, which is poor for someone who is 190cm (6 ft. 3). For comparison, that’s Zouma’s height. Chalobah was drawn into a battle against Ivan Toney and he lost most of it
unfortunately. He did make that crucial clearance off the goal line in the second half. Chalobah has played well whenever he has been selected, he deserves to start more games.
Andreas Christensen, Centerback: 7
Christensen led the defense well and his passing was good. He was focused and made some key interceptions at crucial points in the match. He was incredibly composed at all times. He too, unfortunately was not very good in the air, winning 3 out of 9 aerial duels.
Malang Sarr, Centerback: 9
Sarr was superb today. He made the most defensive actions, and made a case for himself to deputize Toni Rudiger in the left centerback role. He made several crucial interceptions and tackles that saved the Blues from some potentially embarrassing situations.