Chelsea player ratings vs Brentford | OneFootball

Chelsea’s wait for a first away win since early December continues as they were held to a 0-0 draw by London rivals Brentford. The inability to win also puts their top four spot in danger, as both Manchester City and Newcastle can go above them with a win in their respective matches in Gameweek 31.

Ahead of the match, Enzo Maresca opted to rotate the squad in good numbers. Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Pedro Neto were all on the bench. In came Tosin Adarabioyo, Reece James, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Noni Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku. Skipper James occupied the left-back spot.

The home side started well in the match. They came close to scoring a few times in the first half. It took a while before Chelsea had control of the game. Most of their attack focused on Noni Madueke. But without Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson in the starting XI, it was tough for him. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Christopher Nkunku failed to justify their inclusion in the starting XI. Jadon Sancho also could not make much of the possession and opportunities he got. Nevertheless, the first half ended 0-0.

In the second half, Chelsea introduced Nicolas Jackson from the beginning and Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto just before the hour mark. The arrival of these players had a positive impact. However, despite creating chances and having shots, nothing came close. On the other side, Brentford had three close chances in quick succession at the beginning of the final quarter of the match. Apart from that, it was all Chelsea. But the closest they came was when Cole Palmer’s shot went just over the crossbar. That was the last touch of the ball in the match, as it ended goalless.

Chelsea player ratings vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)

Robert Sánchez – 6.5/10

Made a few sloppy passes in the first half. Good save in the second half to deny Mbeumo. Otherwise, another alright performance.

Malo Gusto – 6/10

Played in an inverted role in the middle from right back. Allowed space for Schade to make runs a few times as a result in the first half. Made to work hard because of moving centrally and then having to return to the right-back position to defend.

Trevoh Chalobah – 6/10

Did well to support Gusto whenever he was up the field and performed well overall. Had a tricky moment when he missed the ball up top, allowing Brentford to break.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 6/10

Solid at the back. However, Wissa was able to get the better of him a few times when a long ball was attempted from the back by the home side.

Reece James – 7/10

Started at left-back to combat Mbeumo and did a good job. Forced a save from the Brentford goalkeeper with a good header in the second half.

Enzo Fernández – 6.5/10

Lack of options up front halted his ability to influence the attack. Gave a superb long ball to Jackson at the start of the second half. Created most chances in the match. Had a few shots, but none gave the desired result.

Moisés Caicedo – 7/10

Once again brilliant in the middle. Broke up Brentford’s moves through the middle. Completed the most passes in the game.

Noni Madueke – 6.5/10

Chelsea’s only attacking threat in the first half. Taken off just ahead of the hour mark as part of managing his minutes.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5/10

The former Leicester man failed to have any impact on the game in a rare Premier League start. Taken off just before the hour mark.

Jadon Sancho – 5.5/10

Another subpar day. Despite playing 90 minutes, he only did anything of note in the second half, and even that wasn’t enough for what Chelsea needed.

Christopher Nkunku – 5/10

Underwhelming and could not influence the attack at all. Another disappointing outing for him.

Sub: Nicolas Jackson – 6/10 (On 46’ for Christopher Nkunku)

Made a lot of good runs since coming on. Caused a lot of trouble to the Brentford defense, but couldn’t do much else.

Sub: Cole Palmer – 6/10 (On 59’ for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall)

Much better than Dewsbury-Hall. Was involved in everything Chelsea did moving forward. His shot at the very end of the match just went over the crossbar.

Sub: Pedro Neto – 6/10 (On 59’ for Noni Madueke)

Forced a save as soon as he came on. Looked very sharp throughout.

Sub: Marc Cucurella – 5.5/10 (On 77’ for Reece James)

Did well to hold off Mbeumo. Too little time for him to influence otherwise.

Manager: Enzo Maresca – 5.5/10