Importance Score: 12 / 100 🟠
In a Premier League match that failed to ignite, Chelsea and Brentford played out a goalless draw at the Gtech Community Stadium. The stalemate saw neither side able to break the deadlock across the full 90 minutes. Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, opted for several alterations to his starting lineup following their victory against Tottenham Hotspur just three days prior. These changes were made with Thursday’s crucial UEFA Conference League quarter-final fixture in mind.
Chelsea Player Performances Assessed
Striker Nicolas Jackson made his return from injury, entering the pitch as a substitute. His introduction came perhaps earlier than anticipated, with Christopher Nkunku being substituted at halftime. Nkunku’s first-half performance drew criticism from teammate Enzo Fernandez, who expressed frustration over a perceived lack of urgency and a slow pass. Ultimately, Jackson’s impactful display effectively overshadowed Nkunku’s underwhelming contribution.
Express Sport provides a comprehensive analysis of each Chelsea player’s performance in this encounter:
Player Ratings vs Brentford (4-2-3-1 Formation)
Starting Lineup
- Robert Sanchez: 5/10
Sanchez’s distribution was subpar, notably gifting Brentford an early opportunity through a misplaced pass. He exhibited further nervous moments, which Brentford sought to exploit. However, he redeemed himself with several important saves, including a late stop to deny Bryan Mbeumo.
- Malo Gusto: 7/10 (Booked)
Gusto commenced the match at right-back but frequently transitioned into midfield, demonstrating high energy and involvement. He created a noteworthy chance for Nkunku, which the forward squandered.
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- Tosin Adarabioyo: 6/10 (Booked)
Adarabioyo displayed composure in possession, circulating the ball confidently under pressure. However, he received a booking for a mistimed challenge on Yehor Yarmolyuk.
- Trevoh Chalobah: 5/10
Chalobah struggled to contain the speed and agility of Brentford’s attacker, Kevin Schade, finding it a difficult contest.
- Reece James: 7/10 (Substituted for Cucurella, 77′)
Deployed on the left flank, James engaged in an engaging duel with Mbeumo. He delivered two exceptional long-range free-kicks that narrowly evaded being converted into goals.
- Moises Caicedo: 7/10
Caicedo was industrious in midfield, consistently winning tackles and disrupting Brentford’s play. He also embarked on a couple of adventurous dribbles, demonstrating dynamism in the central area.
- Enzo Fernandez: 6/10 (Booked)
Fernandez showcased his passing range, attempting to unlock Brentford’s defense with incisive passes. However, in a match where Chelsea required attacking impetus, he could have offered greater forward thrust.
- Noni Madueke: 5/10 (Substituted for Neto, 58′)
Making his first Premier League start in nearly two months, Madueke offered minimal impact on the game.
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: 6/10 (Substituted for Palmer, 58′)
Dewsbury-Hall, in only his second Premier League start for Chelsea, delivered a steady performance without being particularly eye-catching. He did provide a precise through-ball setting Jadon Sancho free in the first half.
- Jadon Sancho: 5/10
Sancho delivered a lackluster performance on the left wing. He was frequently dispossessed and, despite fleeting moments of quality, was largely ineffective.
- Christopher Nkunku: 4/10 (Substituted for Jackson, 45′)
Nkunku made little contribution before being withdrawn at halftime. He also missed a good opportunity, failing to control the ball after being played through by Gusto.
Substitutes
- Nicolas Jackson: 7/10
Jackson embraced the physical battle with Brentford’s defenders, a contrast to Nkunku’s approach. He pressured the opposition, posed a threat in behind, and generally troubled the Brentford backline. Manager Maresca will welcome his return to form and fitness.
- Pedro Neto: 7/10
Neto injected dynamism into Chelsea’s attack. He immediately proved more influential than Madueke, testing Mark Flekken with shots from distance shortly after entering the match. He also delivered a dangerous low cross towards Jackson.
- Cole Palmer: 6/10
Palmer displayed a positive cameo appearance and came close to scoring with the final attack of the game.
- Marc Cucurella: N/A
Cucurella was a late substitution, playing too few minutes to be fairly assessed.