Chelsea looked to have stolen all three points over local rivals Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, before a last-minute tap-in by Fabio Carvalho earned the Bees a 2-2 draw. The Blues had taken the lead thanks to second half goals by Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo. The Blues had fallen behind to Kevin Schade's opener in the 29th minute.
A raft of halftime changes, including the introduction of Reece James and Marc Cucurella appeared to swing the game back in Chelsea's favour after a listless first half.
Enzo Maresca's selection raised eyebrows pre-game, as the youngster Jorrel Hato and the returning Wesley Fofana were preferred to James and Cucurella. Chelsea looked toothless in attack, failing to record a shot on target until the 43rd minute of the game.
The Blues also looked unorganised in defence, with Tosin Aradarobioyo and Nathaniel Chalobah leaving each other high and dry after stepping out of the back line and failing to secure possession. It was Chalobah to blame for Brentford's opener, as he rushed into the Bees half, failed to dispossess Igor Jesus, allowing Jordan Henderson to spray a raking ball over the top for Schade to run on to. The German midfielder duly slotted past Sanchez, who was unsighted by the lunging tackle of Tosin.
The introduction of James and Cucurella jogged Chelsea into life, but it was the 56th minute appearance of Palmer that was the telling intervention. Joao Pedro, who looked starved of service in the opening half, won a knockdown from Enzo Fernandez's cross, allowing Palmer to calmly slot home the equaliser.
A reinvigorated Chelsea attack hammered away at Brentford's resolute defence. Just as it looked like the Blues would have to settle for a point, Moises Caicedo rattled home a rasping effort from the edge of the box.
However, the drama was not over, as a long throw into the box by Schade fell to Carvalho, who converted past a despairing dive by Robert Sanchez.
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (5/10):
He had very little to do before, or after Schade's deflected effort. Patchy distribution.
Wesley Fofana (4/10):
Out of position for the goal. Failed to provide the attacking impetus afforded by Malo Gusto or James. Understandably subbed after 45 minutes.
Tosin Adarabioyo (5/10):
Little he could do to stop Schade once he latched on to Henderson's pass. Some last ditch tackles, but he was also caught out of position on occasion.
Trevoh Chalobah (3/10):
Pushed up high trying to win the ball back for Brentford's opener leaving his partner exposed. Wasteful on the ball too.
Jorrel Hato (3/10):
His first touch routinely let him down, and ultimately got him in the referees' book. Pulled at the half for Cucurella.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
Flitted in and out of the game. His cross set up Palmer for the goal. A few other neat touches aside, a forgettable performance.
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
His usual combative self but failed to get Chelsea going in possession. Appeared to save the day with an absolute screamer.
Facundo Buonanotte (6/10):
Made a nuisance of himself off the ball and had some neat touches off it. Half time substitution was harsh on debut.
Getty Images SportAttack
Pedro Neto (6/10):
A quiet first half but he grew into the game. Denied a goal by a last ditch Ethan Pinnock block. His final ball improved markedly in the second half.
Jamie Gittens (5/10):
Appeared ready and willing to take on his man, but Brentford doubled up effectively. A frustrating start to life in west London.
Joao Pedro (5/10):
Dropped deeper and deeper to get involved in the first half. Happy to play as an out-and-out striker to make room for Palmer in the second. Won the knockdown for the equaliser.
AFPSubs & Manager
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Provided an attacking outlet that was badly missing in the opening half.
Reece James (7/10):
Stepped into midfield creating space for Enzo, Palmer and Pedro. Why did he and Cucurella start from the bench?
Tyrique George (4/10):
Was playing as a striker after his introduction before being shunted out wide to make space for Palmer. The youngster struggled to make an impact.
Cole Palmer (7/10):
Scored minutes after entering the fray. A calm and composed finish. Denied a second by the cat-like Kelleher.
Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):
Not enough time to make an attacking impact on debut, but will rue losing Carvalho and allowing the equaliser.
Enzo Maresca (4/10):
A strange team selection especially as he reverted to his usual personnel and shape at the half.