Chelsea have now conceded 12 Premier League goals in their opening five games. Although the first half looked promising from a defensive standpoint, the Blues' frailties came to the front as Brentford exploited them to the fullest, with another one goal conceded from the set pieces and another from the transition.
The Blues struggled without key players, Reece James, Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo, lacking control in the midfield, creating very little clear cut chances, and being very open at the back; the international break couldn't have come at a better time for Xabi Alonso after three games without a win.
After the player ratings failed to see the light in the emotion of full time, we try to see more positives than negatives here:
Winner No1. - Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer was undoubtedly Chelsea’s best player at the Gtech Community Stadium, proving to everyone why he’s been included in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad; he was at the forefront of everything that was good about Chelsea tonight.
The Brentford players couldn’t get near him when in tight spaces, with his quick feet and elusive dribbling, and he almost recreated an Eden Hazard v West Ham-esque goal in the first half, dribbling past multiple Brentford defenders.
His performance tonight deserved a goal involvement; maybe on another night the Englishmen would have contributed to Chelsea getting on the scoresheet.
Loser No.1 - Danny Welbeck
With Joao Pedro out of the squad tonight, Welbeck had a chance to shine tonight as the starting striker, but the ex-Brighton man barely had a sniff, possibly showcasing the Blues’ overdependence on Pedro in their squad; also, not having another recognised striker on the bench when Welbeck came off could come back to bite Alonso.
Being hooked off after 71 minutes and not managing to have a shot, when the busy festive period comes around or if Joao Pedro misses more time out of the squad, Alonso might be a little more reluctant to pick the 35-year-old, and possibly switch to playing a false nine in his 11.
Winner No.2 - Pep Chavarria
Xabi Alonso’s decision to play Chavarria today in the left-wing back position paid off, with the Spaniard looking lively, creating two chances, and being a threat all night.
Chavarria possibly put himself as the No.1 left-sided full-back in this formation ahead of Jorrel Hato, with the Dutchman more preferred in a four at the back.
One thing that Alonso preaches about is that he wants his team to work hard and cover a lot of ground, and Pep’s 11.8km was the most in the match, which shows his tenacity and willingness.
Loser No.2 - Estevao
The Brazilian youngster came off the bench after 87 minutes, when your side is 2-0 down, and you're brought on to try to make an impact; it's hard to do that and shows you're not part of the manager’s favourites.
The talent Estevao has is undeniable, and he was one of Chelsea’s most exciting players last season, but with Alonso set on playing a five at the back, a winger who doesn't really offer much defensively won't put you in good stead.
It’s hard to judge a player who has barely played any minutes this season, and if someone like Geovany Quenda comes on before you, who again has not been on the pitch much, it shows Estevao is down Alonso’s pecking order.
Winner No.3 - Wesley Fofana
In Wesley Fofana’s time at Chelsea, he hasn't necessarily been the most consistent or dependable defender, but tonight had to have been one of his most assured performances in a Chelsea shirt, showcasing the talent the Frenchman does have, and why Chelsea paid a hefty price tag for him 2023.
Although the Blues shipped three tonight, he was comfortable on the ball and his passing tonight was calm and composed, winning two out of five aerial duels and all four of his ground duels, racking up 15 defensive contributions.
If Fofana can replicate his performance tonight more often, then I’m sure he could be back to his best.
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