Chelsea FC ratings vs Brentford: Super-sub Cole Palmer shines as Blues struggle

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Chelsea player ratings vs Brentford: Super-sub Cole Palmer shines as teammates struggle in derby

The Blues’ talisman passed a late fitness test and fired his side back into contention after a dour first-half showing

Back to form: Cole Palmer

AFP via Getty Images

Dom Smith

2 minutes ago

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Chelsea dropped valuable points as Fabio Carvalho’s injury-time strike earned Brentford a 2-2 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Brentford led at the break thanks to a counter-attacking goal scored by Kevin Schade after a magnificent pass from Jordan Henderson.

Enzo Maresca made a triple change at the break and Chelsea were level when Cole Palmer pounced on a loose ball and stroked home.

Moises Caicedo hammered high into the net from distance to score what Chelsea thought would be the winner, but the long throw worked wonders for Brentford as Carvalho ensured the game ended a draw.

Dom Smith was watching on at the Gtech Community Stadium to run the rule over Chelsea’s performances…

Robert Sanchez 7

Wrongfooted for both goals but otherwise a really impressive display, with two fingertip saves and a number of calm claims from crosses.

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Wesley Fofana 5

Difficult day at the office for the right-back. That said, it will take time for him to work his way back up to his best. Replaced at the interval.

Tosin Adarabioyo 5

Was caught out by the run from Schade for the goal. Otherwise, defended and distributed well.

Trevoh Chalobah 7

England manager Thomas Tuchel was watching on and will have like much of what he saw from the centre-back, one of Chelsea’s better defenders on the day. When he went up the pitch and shot, though, it tended to balloon over the bar.

Jorrel Hato 4

Not the best performance from Hato at left-back, who offered little attacking threat and was replaced at half-time. Booked.

Enzo Fernandez 7

A fine display by the Argentine, who had lots of time on the ball and used it effectively, keeping Chelsea in possession with sensible passes. High work-rate off the ball.

Moises Caicedo 7

Up for the physical battle, without being the star tackler he often is. Instead, he was Chelsea’s star attacker, coming up with the goods late on with a ferocious strike. He was unfortunate it did not prove the winner.

Pedro Neto 6

A busy display from the Portuguese, but as is often the case, his end product was lacking.

Facundo Buonanotte 5

An OK debut from the Argentine, who displayed nice close control in a congested area but was docked at half-time as Maresca rang the changes.

Jamie Gittens (Palmer, 55’) 5

Again, struggled to make the desired impact. Was caught offside in one situation he shouldn’t have been and only lasted 55 minutes before being replaced by Cole Palmer.

Joao Pedro 6

Worked hard, without having much joy. Then got fortunate from a brave second-half aerial duel and collected an assist as Palmer levelled things up.

Subs:

Tyrique George (Buonanotte, 46’) 6

Had a decent shot on target early in the second half, testing the goalkeeper and forcing a good save.

Reece James (Fofana, 46’) 6

Physical as he came into the middle of the pitch. It was no real surprise Maresca chose not to start the player after his two starts for England in the past week.

Marc Cucurella (Hato, 46’) 6

Worked extremely hard and made one crucial tackle. Not so effective going forward.

Cole Palmer (Gittens, 56’) 8

Chelsea’s best performer of a very difficult evening. Scored a fine goal within five minutes of coming on... but should have added the winner shortly after.

Alejandro Garnacho (Joao Pedro, 80’) N/A

Came on late for his Chelsea debut.

Not used: Jorgensen, Santos, Gusto, Acheampong

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