Player Ratings: Chelsea 0-2 Brentford | Premier League

Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by west London rivals Brentford on Wednesday night in the Premier League.

Frank Lampard’s side played host to Thomas Frank’s team and were unable to put an end to their losing run.

The Blues line-up was extremely negative heading into this game, and the Bees were easily able to establish control of the contest. Eventually in the first half, they found the breakthrough, Zanka’s header deflected off of Cesar Azpilicueta and handed the lead to the away side.

Heading into the second half, the west London side opted to make changes, with both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mykhailo Mudryk coming on.

It was a much more positive approach that Chelsea took in the second 45, they went at Brentford but were still unable to find an equaliser.

The away side in fact managed to make it 2-0 in the second half, a breakaway led by substitute Bryan Mbeumo put distance between the two teams and secured the three points.

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players’ performance against Brentford in the capital.

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Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5/10

There was the little the Spaniard could do about the opening goal, Zanka’s header was way off target before it hit Azpilicueta and left Kepa frozen as it painfully drifted in. The second goal he was once again helpless, this time it was a deflection off of Silva which doubled the lead.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 4.5/10 (45)

A disastrous day for the captain, in the first half the ball deflected in off him following a set-piece from the visitors, while it was unfortunate an own-goal is an own-goal. At half-time he was then substituted, things could not have gone much worse for the defender.

Wesley Fofana – 5.5/10

The centre-back has rapidly become one of the most dependable options at the back for the Blues. He should have dealt much better with Brentford’s second goal however, Mbuemo cut inside far too easily past him and doubled the advantage.

Thiago Silva – 5.5/10

It gets to the point where you begin to feel sorry for the Brazilian. His frustrations were clear to see when he tried his luck from long-range in the first half. Normally he is able to ping passes left, right and centre, but there was so little for him to aim for up the pitch.

Trevoh Chalobah – 5.5/10

The defender did very little wrong, but unfortunately things just aren’t working at the other end of the pitch for the Blues. Little blame can be placed on him for either of the goals that were conceded.

Ben Chilwell – 5.5/10

The wing-back often found himself playing the furthest up the pitch in the opening 45 minutes. Certainly needs to put some work into his corner taking ability, too many hit the first man.

Enzo Fernandez – 5/10 (79)

The Argentinian’s job is always going to become more difficult when he has so little to play forward to. Chelsea were flat and offered next to nothing at the top end of the pitch, most noticeably in the first half.

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Mateo Kovacic – 5/10

Has so often been a consistent performer in this side, but has begun to struggle this season. The Croatian is capable of far better than he has shown, usually so reliable but he was clumsy at points throughout this contest.

N’Golo Kante – 5/10

After returning back to the Chelsea squad following a long-time out injured, it has not been easy for the World Cup winner. He would have hoped to give the Blues a lift upon his return, but things have not gone to plan. Still has so much quality, but things just aren’t quite clicking.

Conor Gallagher – 5/10 (45)

One large piece of praise the midfielder deserves is his high work rate. Despite playing out of position and in a team that has heavily underperformed this season, he always gives his best. This is of course a positive but there is still a lot for him to work on. Was perhaps unfortunate to be hooked at the break.

Raheem Sterling – 5/10 (79)

The England international was dealt an extremely challenging job against the strong back three Brentford have, playing in an unsuited role he struggled for involvement. Often the natural winger had to drop deeper which left the Blues with little to aim for in the box. Looked sharp and had some good moments going forward despite not playing in a position he thrives in.

Bench

Mykhailo Mudryk – 6/10 (45)

An extremely bright spark, certainly deserves more minutes as he has bags of talent and needs game time to help develop him further.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 6/10 (45)

Chelsea are in desperate need of a striker and while they improved when the Gabonese forward came on, unfortunately, he clearly is not a long-term solution. One of Chelsea’s best players when he was subbed on.

Noni Madueke – N/A (79)

Joao Felix – N/A (79)