da luck： Chelsea's chronic inability to stick the ball into the back of the net struck again as Brentford snatched a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge
da wazamba： Chelsea were the victims of a classic smash-and-grab as Brentford claimed an unlikely 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday – but the Blues only really had themselves to blame. The hosts saw a raft of first-half chances go begging, including Noni Madueke curling the ball onto the upright, Marc Cucurella being unable to convert from a few yards out and Raheem Sterling blazing over from close range.
Brentford took full advantage of Chelsea's profligacy shortly before the hour mark, as centre-back Ethan Pinnock drifted in at the back post unmarked to power home a header from a brilliant Bryan Mbeumo cross.
In their desperate search for an equaliser against a staunch backline, the Blues were caught on the break in stoppage time with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez way up the pitch, and Mbeumo rolled the ball into an empty net after Neal Maupay had broken clear.
Here are GOAL's Chelsea player ratings from Stamford Bridge…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (6/10):
Passed well after his mistake last weekend and made an excellent late stop, but to no avail, as he was left stranded upfield when Brentford broke to seal victory.
Axel Disasi (4/10):
Ventured forward when he could but looked cumbersome as a full-back. Among those who got nowhere near Pinnock.
Thiago Silva (6/10):
Never seemed unduly bothered by a generally blunt Brentford attack and read the game with his usual poise. Caught out of position for the second.
Levi Colwill (6/10):
Another mature display in his preferred position. Made a vital block late in the game to prevent the situation getting worse.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Another improved performance, but lost his runner (Mbeumo) for the opener.
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Moises Caicedo (6/10):
Has really settled into his role and Chelsea can rely on him to sit deep on his own, although he struggled to compensate for Enzo Fernandez's missing creativity.
Conor Gallagher (7/10):
All action yet again from Gallagher, who was doing absolutely everything to keep Chelsea on the front foot.
Noni Madueke (5/10):
Thumped the bar but not at his scintillating best in his first Premier League start of the season. Chelsea missed Mykhailo Mudryk.
Cole Palmer (7/10):
The Blues' outstanding player once again, floating around menacingly in the No.10 role and always looking to probe and create. Faded in the second half, which was unfortunate.
Raheem Sterling (6/10):
Spritely again but ran down some blind alleys and must be more clinical when the pressure is on. Blazed over when one on one at 0-0.
GettyAttack
Nicolas Jackson (4/10):
Still lacks the clinical edge that Chelsea desperately need. Had no clear openings here and fluffed the half-chances that did come his way.
Subs & Manager
Reece James (5/10):
Couple of decent crosses but didn't have the desired effect.
Ian Maatsen (4/10):
Not really able to get into the game. May have been fouled in the lead-up to the second.
Deivid Washington (N/A):
A Chelsea debut for the teenager.
Wesley Ugochukwu (N/A):
On too late to make any difference.
Mauricio Pochettino (6/10):
Pochettino will be at a loss as to how his side failed to claim three points here. They were largely the better side but – yet again – were simply not ruthless enough when it mattered most. Injuries to Enzo and Mykhailo Mudryk didn't help their cause, but he will now have to pick his players up for a very tough run of games.