Levi Colwill Admits Chelsea Pain After Brentford’s 3-0 Derby Win
Chelsea’s defensive progress unravelled after the interval as Brentford claimed a 3-0 west London derby win at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Levi Colwill admitting the scale of the defeat had been painful for the visitors.
The match remained goalless until the 61st minute, when Chelsea failed to pick up Jaidon Anthony at a corner and the Brentford forward headed in from close range. The visitors then lost their shape while chasing a response, allowing the home side to turn a tight contest into a convincing victory.
Igor Thiago doubled Brentford’s advantage in the 83rd minute. Kevin Schade had broken through on goal but was stopped by Emiliano Martínez, only for Thiago to convert the rebound for his first league goal of the season. Substitute Fábio Carvalho completed the scoring in stoppage time, finishing from another Schade delivery.
Colwill: Chelsea forced the game after opener
Colwill said the set-piece concession altered the game and felt Chelsea had tried too hard to restore parity immediately. He said the team should have remained calmer, trusted their approach and waited for the chance to arrive rather than forcing passes and leaving spaces for Brentford to exploit on the break.
The defender said the second goal was damaging and the third underlined a poor second-half display. Chelsea now have the international break to address the shortcomings exposed in the derby.
There had been signs of greater control before the interval, with Chelsea looking less vulnerable in defence and midfield than in several earlier performances this season. But their improved first-half organisation did not carry into the decisive stages.
Attack blunted without João Pedro
Chelsea arrived having scored 18 goals across six matches in all competitions, but their momentum in front of goal was halted by Brentford’s handling of an injury-hit attack.
João Pedro’s absence was particularly significant. Danny Welbeck came into the side but could not provide the same central link in the attacking unit alongside Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. Palmer and Rogers had moments of danger, yet the combinations between the forwards were less fluid than they have been with João Pedro available.
Colwill said the burden could not be left to the front line, stressing that defenders, midfielders and attackers must contribute more effectively together. He added that there was considerable scope for the squad to improve.
Alonso joins unwanted Premier League list
The result also extended an unwanted early record for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso. He is the sixth coach in Premier League history to see his team concede at least twice in each of his first five matches in the competition.
Mick McCarthy, Sammy Lee, Terry Connor, Slavisa Jokanovic and Scott Parker are the only other managers to have begun a Premier League spell with the same defensive record.
