Chelsea mixed start to the Premier League season continued as they were pegged back in stoppage time during a dramatic 2–2 draw with Brentford on Saturday evening.
Manager Enzo Maresca handed summer signing Facundo Buonanotte his first start in blue, but the Argentine had a quiet evening before being replaced at half-time. The Blues were frustrated early on, with Keith Andrews’ Brentford side sitting deep in a compact 5-3-2 shape designed to frustrate and counter.
The plan worked to perfection on 35 minutes. A sharp transition saw Jordan Henderson thread a superb pass into Kevin Schade’s path. The German forward burst clear, and his effort deflected cruelly off Tosin Adarabioyo, wrong-footing Robert Sánchez to give the hosts the lead.
Second-half response from the Blues
Maresca reacted quickly at the interval, introducing Marc Cucurella, Reece James, and youngster Tyrique George. The changes injected more energy, with George denied by Caoimhin Kelleher soon after the restart.
It wasn’t until the 61st minute, however, that Chelsea found a breakthrough. Cole Palmer, brought on for Jamie Gittens, produced his first non-penalty goal since January, finishing confidently to haul his side level.
Momentum was with the visitors, and when Moisés Caicedo powered in a late strike from distance on 85 minutes, it looked like Chelsea had snatched all three points. The Ecuadorian midfielder — later named Player of the Match — epitomised the fight and quality Maresca will hope to see consistently.
Brentford’s late sting
But the Bees weren’t done. Deep into stoppage time, Kristoffer Ajer flicked on a trademark long throw, and substitute Fabio Carvalho reacted quickest at the far post to fire home, sparking wild celebrations among the home support.
For Chelsea, it was a gut-punch, their second draw in four games leaving them with just eight points from a possible 12. It extended Brentford’s winning streak and was a reward for their tenacity and tactical discipline.
Player evaluations and conclusions
According to FotMob’s ratings, Trevoh Chalobah (7.6) and João Pedro (7.5) both made significant contributions to Caicedo’s supremacy in midfield (8.2). Buonanotte struggled to impose himself (6.7), while Jorrel Hato had a tough outing at left-back (6.1).
Brentford, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Kelleher’s saves and Henderson’s creativity, while Carvalho’s late cameo proved decisive.
Maresca will be encouraged by the fightback but concerned by his side’s vulnerability at set-pieces — a recurring theme that must be addressed if Chelsea are to mount a serious challenge this season.
