Chelsea suffered a convincing defeat at the Gtech Stadium on Friday. Brentford, meanwhile, maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
The Blues struggled to create clear chances during a difficult first half. Brentford then increased the pressure after the break.
The Bees finally broke through in the 61st minute. Jaidon Anthony headed in from a corner to put Brentford ahead.
Chelsea searched for an equaliser. Instead, Brentford punished them on the counterattack.
Kevin Schade drove forward before his effort took a deflection. The ball fell to Igor Thiago, who finished from close range.
Fabio Carvalho then added a third goal in stoppage time. His strike completed a comprehensive Brentford victory.
The result highlighted the contrasting form of both teams. Brentford continue to build momentum, while Chelsea face growing concerns.
Chelsea won their opening two league games. However, the Blues have now failed to win their last three matches.
They have lost two of those games and drawn one. Their recent defensive problems have become a major talking point.
Concerns for Chelsea
Chelsea’s defensive form has become a major concern.
The Blues have conceded 15 goals in all competitions since the season began. They have allowed 12 goals in the Premier League.
At the time of writing, that total ranks highest in the division. Chelsea have also played one more league game than most of their rivals.
Chelsea managed to overcome those defensive issues in their opening two matches. Their attack helped them outscore Fulham and Brighton.
However, the Blues cannot rely on their forwards in every match. Their defence must also improve if they want consistent results.
Chelsea have still produced encouraging attacking numbers. The team has scored 10 league goals.
Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro lead a dangerous attacking unit. Yet even strong attacks can struggle on difficult days.
Chelsea need greater defensive stability when their forwards cannot find their best form.
Manager Xabi Alonso admitted that Chelsea fell below the required level at Brentford.
“This is not enough to compete in the Premier League,” Alonso said.
“We were not able to maintain our level for the full 90 minutes and that’s why we were punished today.
“It’s about everything. It’s about the mentality, the football and the tactical things that we need to keep improving. We can do much better.”
Chelsea entered the season as outside contenders for the Premier League title. Their lack of European football also gives them fewer fixture demands.
However, the early defensive problems show that Chelsea still have plenty to improve. Arsenal and Manchester City remain among the leading teams at the top end of the table.
Keith Andrews’ buzzing Bees
Brentford deserved their victory at the Gtech Stadium. The Bees produced 2.65 expected goals compared with Chelsea’s 0.85.
Brentford also limited Chelsea to 12 attempts. Most of those efforts came from low-quality positions.
The underlying numbers matched what fans saw on the pitch. Brentford created the clearer chances and looked more dangerous in attack.
Only five games have passed, so it remains too early to draw major conclusions. Still, Brentford have made an encouraging start.
The Bees currently sit third in the Premier League table.
Head coach Keith Andrews praised his players after the match.
“It’s amazing the way one game dictates if it’s an okay start or a really good start, but yeah, it’s been a good start,” Andrews said.
“We have been competitive, we have had to dig deep, we have had to show loads of different traits in the opening weeks of the season, which is what you always have to do in this league.”
The victory added another positive result to Andrews’ early spell in charge.
Brentford have already shown several qualities needed for Premier League success. They remain dangerous from set pieces and can attack quickly on the counter.
Their compact defensive shape also makes them difficult to break down. The Bees combine that structure with a physical approach.
Brentford also have reasons to feel positive about their attack.
Igor Thiago has opened his account for the season. Brentford will hope the striker can rediscover his best form.
Thiago scored 22 goals last season. His goals helped Brentford secure a ninth-place finish.
For now, Brentford can enjoy their unbeaten start as the league heads into the first international break.
Chelsea, meanwhile, must find answers to their defensive problems. The Blues will need a response when Premier League action resumes.
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