Chelsea player ratings vs Brentford: Nicolas Jackson shines off bench but Jadon Sancho very quiet | OneFootball

Chelsea cavalry off the bench unable to save the day

Chelsea’s pursuit of Champions League football for next season was damaged as they dropped points in a goalless draw at Brentford on Sunday.

Enzo Maresca’s decision to name five changes from the team which won 1-0 against Tottenham on Thursday backfired as his side drew a blank at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Both sides had their fair share of chances, but neither was able to net the all-important winning goal, and the result will surely frustrate the Blues more than it will the midtable Bees.

Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was at the Gtech Community Stadium to rate the Chelsea players’ performances…

Robert Sanchez 7

Dropped the ball in the first half but it went unpunished, yet he was on hand to make a few crucial saves, including a strong right-hand to deny Bryan Mbeumo on the break.

Malo Gusto 5

Booked for lugging down Kevin Schade, and didn’t have his best game, with Schade often having the beating of him. Was better going forward.

Trevoh Chalobah 6

Made some important defensive headers and filled in on the right whenever Gusto bombed on.

Tosin Adarabioyo 6

Shown a first-half booking for a late challenge. Made a couple of vital aerial clearances.

Reece James 6

Operated on the left and acquitted himself well, almost scoring the opener in the second half when his header from a corner was parried.

Reece James was largely in control at left-back

REUTERS

Moises Caicedo 6

Mopped up well in midfield, winning tackles and making blocks when back defending in his own box.

Enzo Fernandez 6

Distributed the ball well, often looking to release Noni Madueke down the right before the winger was replaced.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 5

Wasn’t as effective as Fernandez at wrestling free of his marker in midfield. Didn’t grasp this opportunity.

Noni Madueke 6

Sought to make things happen down his side of the pitch. Chelsea have missed him, for his unparallelled directness among Chelsea’s many wingers.

Jadon Sancho 5

A very quiet display from the Englishman, who didn’t move the ball quickly enough.

Christopher Nkunku 5

Struggled to hold the ball up and was duly replaced at half-time.

Subs:

Nicolas Jackson (Nkunku, 46’) 7

Chelsea’s best player, despite not starting. Held the ball up so well and tried to get away from Brentford’s defenders.

Cole Palmer (Dewsbury-Hall, 59’) 6

Brought on to create and almost did, with a long ball to Jackson snuffed out at the last second by Flekken. Missed a late chance with the last kick of the game, it flying just over.

Pedro Neto (Madueke, 59’) 6

His snap-shot soon after coming on almost gave Chelsea the lead, but for a fine save.

Marc Cucurella (James, 77’) N/A

Not used: Badiashile, Colwill, Jorgensen, George, Acheampong