Chelsea 0-2 Brentford: Blues’ home woes continue as goals by Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo secure win for Bees in west London derby

Brentford once again halted Chelsea’s attempts at a revival, securing a victory over the Blues at Stamford Bridge. Ethan Pinnock opened the scoring, and Bryan Mbeumo added a late finish to seal the result. You can tune in to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast, “It’s All Kicking Off!”, for further analysis.

Brentford has made winning at Stamford Bridge appear much easier than Chelsea, who are currently struggling to find their form. For the third consecutive year, Thomas Frank’s team visited Chelsea’s ground and departed with all three points, a feat that the Blues themselves seem to have forgotten how to achieve.

The once formidable aura and sense of intimidation that Stamford Bridge held for opposing teams have long faded away, adding to the growing list of challenges faced by new head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Chelsea’s home form has been dismal, with only one victory in 13 matches—against newly-promoted Luton. This run stretches back to March and includes a meager three league wins throughout the entirety of 2023.

The team’s internal conflicts certainly don’t contribute positively to their situation. Arguments and discord among the players only exacerbate the difficulties Chelsea currently face.

Frustration was already brewing towards the end of a goalless first half when, during a break in play, one supporter targeted striker Nicolas Jackson, demanding more from him.

MATCH FACTS AND RATINGS

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sanchez 7.5; Disasi 6 (James 67, 6), Silva 8, Colwilll 6, Cucurella 7 (Washington 81); Gallagher 7, Caicedo 7 (Ugochukwu 85); Madueke 6.5 (Maatsen 67, 6), Palmer 8, Sterling 6.5; Jackson 6.

Subs not used: Beach, Petrovic, Badiashile, Gusto, Matos.

Booked: Caicedo

Manager: Mauricio Pochettino 6

BRENTFORD (3-5-2): Flekken 7.5; Ajer 7.5, Pinnock 8, Collins 6.5; Roerslev 7, Jensen 7.5 (Onyeka 63, 7), Norgaard 8, Janelt 7 (Yarmolyuk 76), Hickey 7 (Ghoddos 84); Mbeumo 6.5, Wissa 7 (Maupay 76).

Subs not used: Strakosha

Scorer: Pinnock 58, Mbeumo 90

Booked: Maupay, Onyeka, Ghoddos, Noorgard

Referee: Simon Hooper 5

Pochettino didn’t take kindly to the fan’s criticism and fired back, urging them to support the team instead. This exchange further highlighted the tension in the air. Another confrontation unfolded later between Pochettino’s assistant, Jesus Perez, and Bernardo Cueva, a member of Frank’s backroom staff. The altercation resulted in Cueva’s dismissal and exposed the growing frustration within the Chelsea camp.

In truth, Pochettino’s players failed to provide much excitement for their fans and were met with inevitable boos at the final whistle. Despite the encouraging performance against Arsenal, even in the face of relinquishing a two-goal lead, this match saw Chelsea deliver a lackluster display, devoid of inspiration, scoring opportunities, and attacking intent, except for the standout performance of Cole Palmer. While Chelsea controlled possession, it was Brentford who created the better chances.

Brentford displayed far more intent in their forward raids, highlighted by Ethan Pinnock’s urgency as he outjumped Chelsea’s sluggish defenders to head in the opening goal for the visitors. Bryan Mbeumo sealed the victory with a second goal in injury time. Brentford’s previous two visits to the stadium had resulted in victories, which instilled belief and expectation whenever they ventured forward.

Thomas Frank might have desired more from his team, as their most dangerous moment came late in the game with a half-chance for Aaron Hickey. The rest of the half belonged to Chelsea, albeit with numerous near misses. Nicolas Jackson combined with Marc Cucurella on the left flank, cut inside, but ultimately fired wide of Mark Flekken’s goal.

Cole Palmer emerged as a central figure in Chelsea’s most positive moments. He orchestrated a counter-attack following an impressive save by Robert Sanchez, delivering a precise pass to Noni Madueke, whose curled effort rattled against the crossbar. Palmer’s dangerous inswinging deliveries created opportunities for Raheem Sterling, twice, including one that led to a penalty appeal, as well as for Marc Cucurella.

Palmer also bent a free-kick just over and poked a pass through to Sterling who thrashed over.

Conor Gallagher extended Flekken with an effort from distance that Brentford’s goalkeeper shovelled away.

While they had the better openings, Chelsea’s performance lacked the zip of most of their performance against Arsenal and frustrations boiled over just before the break when the fan spat broke out.

Pochettino’s mood would have worsened significantly early in the second half had Brentford taken the best chance they had created up to that point.

Brentford worked the ball down the right to Kristoffer Ajer whose volleyed cut back was met firmly by the incoming Vitaly Janelt but the midfielder’s effort was kept out by Sanchez’s left arm.

In Saturday’s derby, Chelsea encountered significant difficulties in breaking down Brentford’s resolute defense. It served as an early indication of the challenges that lay ahead for them. Around ten minutes later, Brentford found themselves in possession once again, this time in the right-hand corner.

Mathias Jensen s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁fully slipped the ball behind Chelsea’s defense, finding Bryan Mbeumo in a dangerous position.Mbeumo managed to deliver a cross into the box, where Chelsea had defenders positioned near the back post to deal with the threat.

However, a lack of communication among the Chelsea players allowed the ball to go untouched, leaving Ethan Pinnock to soar through the air and emphatically head the ball into the net, granting Brentford the lead.

Despite Chelsea’s continued dominance, they were unable to convert their superiority into goals. Thiago Silva’s header raced across the goalmouth, narrowly evading a touch that would have resulted in an equalizer. Additionally, attempts from Palmer and Deivid Washington to connect firmly with a right-wing cross fell short, further frustrating Chelsea’s quest to level the score.

Bees boss Frank Thomas has now guided his side to back-toback wins at Stamford Bridge

Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, found himself increasingly frustrated and eventually got sent off during the second half of the match. The team’s inability to equalize ultimately resulted in consequences, with Brentford posing consistent threats throughout the game.

Brentford had a golden opportunity to extend their lead on multiple occasions. Firstly, they launched a rapid counter-attack with a four-on-one advantage, but Yehor Yarmolyuk’s attempt was denied by Sanchez.

Then, Mbeumo squandered a chance to convert Neal Maupay’s cross by side-footing it wide.On the third occasion, Chelsea couldn’t evade their fate. As they committed everyone, including goalkeeper Sanchez, to a late corner, Brentford managed to clear the ball. Maupay swiftly broke away and set up Mbeumo, who calmly slotted the ball into an unguarded net. The home fans began leaving the stadium in disappointment, while the jubilant away supporters erupted in celebration.