Brentford punishes ineffective Chelsea

Brentford held on for their third Premier League win of the season as goals from Ethan Pinnock and Brian Mbuemo sank winless Chelsea in the West London derby at Stamford Bridge.

With Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez upfield for the final corner, Neal Maupay led the Brentford counter-attack and set up Mbuemo for the second.

Chelsea, who came closest in the first half when Noni Madueke hit the woodwork, slipped to a ninth home defeat this year due to some poor finishing.

Brentford keeper Mark Fleckane was never really stretched and the visitors defended strongly before hitting Chelsea on the break.

The win moved Brentford up to 10th in the table, one point and one place above Chelsea.

Magnificent bees sting Chelsea

Brentford have won all three of their visits to Stamford Bridge as a Premier League club, and, although Chelsea were largely the better side, Brentford still created their fair share of chances.

Just after half-time Mathias Jensen was given room on the right, passing the ball back to Vitaliy Gennelt, who directed his shot straight at Sanchez.

Brentford’s goal was also scored on the right when Mbuemo delivered a brilliant, fast delivery and Pinnock raced on to meet it with a powerful header.

Yegor Yarmolyuk was clean through on the break when Sanchez laid him out, before Mbumo curled a shot just wide of the arc.

Thomas Frank’s second chance came when Mbumo headed the ball into the empty net with only Sanchez at close range.

After a slow start to the season, Brentford have now won two games in a row, extending their unbeaten run in the London derby to 13 matches.

blues sucks on the bridge

Chelsea have yet to find their rhythm under Mauricio Pochettino.

Against Brentford – a side often praised for their organization and defensive toughness – they initially cut back at will, with forward Moudeke hitting an effort against the post in the first 10 minutes.

Cole Palmer looked impressive and crossed for an unmarked Mark Cucurella midway through the first half, but his first-time shot was straight at Flekken.

Chelsea’s wastefulness became more apparent after the restart and they did not have a single shot on target in the second half.

Chelsea have won only two league matches since February – against relegated Leeds last season and newly promoted Luton this season – and have failed to score in four of their 10 matches this season.

Chelsea host Blackburn in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, while Brentford entertain West Ham in the Premier League next Saturday.