Enzo Maresca`s risky strategy with Chelsea`s European ambitions might have backfired.
Chelsea traveled to Brentford aiming to strengthen their bid for Champions League qualification, a top priority for the season.
A win against Brentford, who are in mid-table, haven`t kept a clean sheet at home in the league this season, and are winless in their last seven home games, would have given Chelsea a significant four-point lead over Aston Villa in sixth place and put them within two points of Nottingham Forest in third.
It was surprising that Maresca chose to bench five key first-team players. This decision ultimately proved costly.
Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, and Pedro Neto started the game on the bench as Chelsea struggled against Brentford. They looked lackluster for much of the match, improving slightly after Maresca brought on the players who arguably should have started.
While Palmer and Jackson were returning from minor injuries after playing in the midweek victory over Tottenham, starting them might have been a worthwhile risk.
This result could be a turning point for Chelsea’s season, potentially allowing teams like Villa, Manchester City, and Newcastle to close the gap.
Brentford started brightly, with Keane Lewis-Potter setting up Bryan Mbeumo, but Mbeumo`s volley went wide of Yoane Wissa.
Brentford`s manager Frank had suggested Chelsea were “under pressure” before the game, and Brentford played with intensity, pressing Chelsea effectively.
Lewis-Potter continued to be dangerous, finding Kevin Schade, who cut the ball back for Wissa, but his shot was blocked by Chelsea defenders.
Chelsea struggled to create clear chances. When they did get into attacking positions, Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke lacked impact.
Nkunku, in particular, was physically outmatched by Brentford`s defenders. This game might raise questions about his future at Chelsea.
The game lacked excitement, with few clear chances for either team in the West London sunshine.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, however, provided some drama.
Sanchez first passed the ball directly to a Brentford player but managed to recover and deny Mikkel Damsgaard after Wissa`s pass.
Then, under no pressure, Sanchez fumbled the ball, nearly allowing Mbeumo a chance.
Maresca was visibly unhappy with his goalkeeper`s errors and the team`s overall performance, which was deteriorating.
Jadon Sancho made a rare forward run but found no support. Reece James`s weak defending allowed Mbeumo to cut inside and shoot just wide.
Chelsea`s away fans resorted to sarcastic cheers when Madueke finally had a shot on target, which was easily saved.
Brentford fans responded with chants of “Boring, Boring Chelsea” as Sanchez saved a header from Nathan Collins.
Maresca replaced Nkunku with Jackson at halftime, making only one change when he could have brought on more attacking players.
Jackson`s introduction had an immediate effect.
The striker immediately linked up well with teammates and his pace caused problems for Brentford`s defense, though his shot was weak.
Chelsea showed more attacking intent. A deflected cross from Sepp Van Den Berg caused confusion in Brentford`s defense, leading to a corner.
Thirteen minutes into the second half, Palmer and Neto were introduced and quickly combined. Palmer passed to Jackson, who found Neto, and his long-range shot was saved by a diving Flekken.
This substitution improved Chelsea`s attack but highlighted their dependence on individual brilliance.
Flekken was now busy, saving a header from James.
The game became more open as Brentford created their best chance in the 79th minute from a counter-attack after a Chelsea corner.
Mbeumo controlled the ball and ran half the length of the pitch before exchanging passes with Wissa. Mbeumo`s powerful shot was well saved by Sanchez.
Despite Chelsea`s improved play, Brentford could have scored twice in quick succession. Van Den Berg headed just over the bar from close range.
Wissa`s flicked header moments later also troubled Sanchez.
In the final moments, Palmer`s curling shot went wide, and he fell to the ground in frustration as the final whistle blew.
Hopefully for Maresca, this draw is not the start of a downward spiral for Chelsea`s season.
