Unconvincing Chelsea drop points at Brentford as Carvalho snatches late equaliser | OneFootball

Cole Palmer’s return was not enough to earn Chelsea three points against west London rivals Brentford.

In a frantic game in which both sides led and trailed, they eventually had to share the spoils after Fabio Carvalho equalised for the Bees in the 94th minute.

The first half was all Chelsea, and Enzo Maresca’s side controlled but without any real bite. Facundo Buonanotte was playing in the number 10 role on his debut whilst Jorrel Hato, also making his first start, was asked to invert, playing as a left-sided midfielder in possession and a left-back out of it.

Enzo Maresca’s tactical plan didn’t work, however, and there were often times in the first half when Hato was more advanced than Buonanotte.

You could tell the Dutchman was not used to playing so high up the pitch and on occasion there were huge gaps in Chelsea’s midfield for Brentford to exploit.

Some welcome news for Enzo Maresca was the long-awaited return of Wesley Fofana. The Frenchman made his first start since March, but unfortunately it told.

He struggled to match Kevin Schade for pace in the first period and when Jordan Henderson played a lovely ball over the top and into the path of Schade to run onto in the 35th minute, Fofana couldn’t keep up with him.

The Brentford forward was left up against Tosin Adarabioyo, who he also easily beat for pace before taking the ball it into the box, cutting inside and slotting past Robert Sanchez.

It had not necessarily been coming, as Chelsea had controlled possession without offering much threat. But it was a wake up call for the Blues and it was therefore no surprise to see Maresca turn to the bench straight after half-time. Hato, Fofana and Buonanotte went off and Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Tyrique George came into the fray.

The changes instantly made a difference and George had Chelsea’s best chance of the game in the 51st minute, which he spurned. Still not satisfied, Maresca brought on Cole Palmer for Jamie Gittens in the 55th minute.

Gittens, whilst possessing clear talent, has struggled to make an impact in west London so far and after Noni Madueke’s brilliant performance for Arsenal this weekend, as they beat Nottingham Forest 3-0, many Blues fans have been left wondering if the club were right to have sold the tricky winger.

Palmer was able to make an instant impact when Enzo Fernandez crossed into the box and Joao Pedro attempted a header which deflected kindly into the path of Chelsea’s talisman, who brilliantly finished into the bottom corner.

It was the Englishman’s first appearance since the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the season, and this was his first goal of the campaign. He missed the international break with England due to his groin injury, but Thomas Tuchel was in attendance at the Gtech Community Stadium to see him level the score for the Blues.

Joao Pedro was, somewhat fortunately, credited with the assist, meaning he now has five goals and three assists in his last six club games.

The momentum was with Chelsea, and they continued to attack. Maresca brought on Garnacho for his debut in the 79th minute, and he was also able to make a decisive contribution.

Five minute before full-time, Garnacho drove down the left and drilled a cross into the box. It was cleared but only as far as Moises Caicedo, who was lurking just outside the area. He took a touch and controlled it, before hammering a shot past Caoimhin Kelleher to seal what he thought was the win.

But the drama didn’t end there. Brentford launched a long throw into the area late on which was headed on by Kristoffer Ajer. The ball evaded several players in the middle before falling to Fabio Carvalho at the far post for a simple finish.

The 23-year-old could hardly believe his luck and calmly slotted away, sending the home fans into raptures. Brentford had stolen a draw from what seemed like sure defeat.

Chelsea certainly can’t have any complaints. Despite picking up eight points from four games they have been far from their best this season and Maresca has some serious work to do.

For Keith Andrews it is a hugely significant point that will do wonders for Brentford’s confidence.