Premier League GW10 - Chelsea vs Brentford

Chelsea vs Brentford | Picture Credits: Getty Images

Chelsea took on Brentford at the legendary Stamford Bridge in an exciting matchup of Premier League heavyweights. The outcome of the match was dramatic, exciting, and unexpected because both teams had their own obstacles to overcome.

Chelsea's Recent Form:

Chelsea had been recuperating under manager Mauricio Pochettino's tutelage. With convincing wins against Fulham and Burnley, they came into the game having won their previous three games. They drew 2-2 with London rivals Arsenal in their most recent matchup.

Brentford's Resurgence:

Conversely, Brentford was struggling off the field, having lost their last six games despite getting off to a strong start with a 3-0 success over Fulham. They did, however, return to winning ways in their most recent home match, thrashing Burnley 3-0.

Starting Lineups:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
  

• Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill
  

• Midfielders: Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo
  

• Attacking Midfielders: Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling
  

• Forward: Nicolas Jackson
  

Substitutes: Djordje Petrovic, Eddie Beach, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Ian Maatsen, Deivid Washington, Alex Matos

Brentford (3-5-2):

• Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken
  

• Defenders: Kristoffer Ajer, Ethan Pinnock, Nathan Collins
  

• Midfielders: Mads Roerslev, Mathias Jensen, Christian Norgaard, Vitaly Janelt, Aaron Hickey
  

• Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa
  

Substitutes: Thomas Strakosha, Neal Maupay, Zanka Jorgensen, Saman Ghoddos, Frank Onyeka, Ben Mee, Yehor Yarmolyuk, Michael Olakigbe, Ethan Brierley

First Half - Goalless Dominance:

A minute's ovation marked the beginning of the match, a sombre occasion honouring Bobby Charlton, the late England World Cup hero. Jensen gave Brentford the advantage as they took the pitch.

Chelsea made their dominance known right away, having multiple opportunities to end the impasse. Brentford held firm despite Sterling's close miss effort to break through following a cross from Palmer.

Cucurella and Jackson worked together to give Chelsea another opportunity. Flekken was unfazed as Jackson's attempt from the edge of the box curled wide.

In the ninth minute, Brentford created a chance to score, but Mbeumo's effort from a close angle went into the side net.

Chelsea came agonisingly close to taking the lead in the tenth minute when Madueke's effort struck the crossbar. The ball bounced back into play, trapping Flekken in place.

Chelsea applied constant pressure throughout the first half, and Palmer, Jackson, and Madueke all missed excellent chances to put Chelsea ahead.

Half-Time - Chelsea 0-0 Brentford:

Chelsea dominated the first half but was unable to strike the back of the net as it came to an end. The Chelsea attack was unrelenting, but Flekken seemed unfazed. The goalless result was mostly due to Chelsea's carelessness in front of goal and Brentford's unwavering defence.

For the second half, the teams regrouped, with Chelsea needing to convert their superiority into goals.

Chelsea made an attempt to reply, but Washington, Silva, and Gallagher were all unable to equalise. On the Chelsea bench, frustration boiled over as assistant coach Jesus Perez was sent off.

Sanchez made some really important saves as Brentford had their chances as well. With a late goal in the ninety-sixth minute, Brentford completed the victory. Maupay's pass was tapped in by Mbeumo to give Brentford a 2-0 lead and all three points.

Second Half - Brentford's Shock Victory:

There were no changes made by either team when the second half got underway. Chelsea kept up the pressure but was unable to take advantage of their opportunities.

The unexpected happened at minute 58. Pinnock, who appeared out of nowhere, gave Brentford the lead by heading a cross from Mbeumo into the goal. Chelsea was left dumbfounded by this goal, which delivered the ultimate sucker punch.

A stunning header by Pinnock! | Picture Credits: Getty Images

Full-Time - Chelsea 0-2 Brentford:

At Stamford Bridge, Brentford's thrilling triumph was announced at the last whistle. The key factor was Brentford's clinical counterattacks, as Chelsea's carelessness in front of goal ultimately came back to haunt them. Brentford took advantage of the difficulties that Pochettino's team experienced on and off the pitch.

With this triumph, Brentford made it two straight wins and moved up to 10th place in the Premier League standings. Conversely, Chelsea's winless run now stands at two games, and they will now have to contend with league leaders Tottenham.

A tap in by Mbeumo! | Picture Credits: The Independent