Under the Brentford lights, Chelsea’s early-season momentum vanished into a flat and damaging 3-0 defeat, with Maxence Lacroix’s side of the defence repeatedly exposed as the Blues failed to score for the first time this campaign.
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Chelsea were comprehensively beaten by Brentford on Friday in the opening match of Premier League matchday five, extending their winless league sequence to three games.
Xabi Alonso’s team had begun the season with attacking promise, defeating Fulham 3-2 and Brighton 4-3. Those performances also revealed defensive weaknesses, and Brentford exploited them ruthlessly. Chelsea created little of consequence, registering only two attempts on target.
The match remained goalless until the 61st minute, when Jaidon Anthony struck following a scramble in the Chelsea area. Brentford then found increasing room against the visitors’ three-man central defence.
Kevin Schade broke in behind Maxence Lacroix before setting up Igor Thiago for the second goal in the 82nd minute. Schade was again involved deep into stoppage time, delivering the cross for substitute Fabio Carvalho to complete the scoring in the 94th minute.
The result leaves Brentford unbeaten and unexpectedly third in the Premier League, while Chelsea must quickly address both their blunt attack and the gaps that undermined them in west London.
