Chelsea’s defensive issues persisted in a 3-0 loss at Brentford, and the missing Joao Pedro further revealed the team’s lack of sharpness going forward.
The Brazilian forward was sidelined with a knee problem, unsettling Xabi Alonso’s previously high-scoring team. Danny Welbeck came in for him but found it difficult to leave his mark, while Cole Palmer and club-record £117m recruit Morgan Rogers could not generate enough attacking danger.
Chelsea had thrived earlier in the campaign thanks to the individual brilliance of their forward line, but that quality was absent at Brentford. Once Jaidon Anthony gave the home side the lead in the 61st minute, Chelsea fell apart and conceded two more goals.
Chelsea Lack Joao Pedro’s Presence Up Front
Going into the weekend, Joao Pedro had been Chelsea’s most effective attacking performer, scoring three goals and providing three assists in his first four appearances of the season. His impact went beyond those statistics as well, having combined well with Palmer and Rogers.
Welbeck, who arrived at Chelsea from Brighton in the summer, could not deliver the same level of influence. The 35-year-old was tidy on the ball but saw very little of it, managing just 17 touches before being taken off in the 71st minute.
Rogers also found it hard to make his presence felt and arguably turned in his quietest display since joining from Aston Villa. He was later pushed into a more advanced role after fellow forward Emmanuel Emegha was ruled out with an injury and continued to wait for his Chelsea debut.
Before Brentford broke the deadlock, the contest had been evenly balanced and looked as though it would hinge on who scored first. Chelsea’s reaction after Anthony’s header, though, transformed the match into a comfortable win for the home team.
Brentford Exploits Chelsea’s Defensive Meltdown
Chelsea’s difficulties were not confined to their attack. Alonso has still not fixed the team’s vulnerability from set pieces, with Chelsea having let in 23 goals from such situations since the beginning of last season, more than any other Premier League club.
Anthony’s simple header from a corner raised Chelsea’s tally of set-piece goals conceded this season to five. Defending set pieces had already been an area Chelsea were keen to strengthen, bringing in Bernardo Cueva from Brentford two years ago before replacing him this summer with specialist Austin MacPhee.
Stand-in captain Levi Colwill conceded the defending was not up to standard, stating Chelsea had been physically overpowered at times inside the box and needed to get better. He also insisted the players still back their set-piece coach while adapting to new concepts.
The loss brought into focus the broader defensive worries confronting Alonso. Chelsea have shipped 12 goals in the Premier League, more than any other team, even though they have played one more match than everyone else.
Chelsea Faces Premier League Scrutiny
Alonso has tried out various formations and lineups during his first weeks in charge, handing debuts to 11 players. That group included 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, who became the first 16-year-old to represent Chelsea in the Premier League, and 36-year-old new arrival Jordan Henderson, who came up against his former club.
Chelsea also started their oldest XI since May 2023, with Henderson joined by fellow over-30s Welbeck and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Even with that experience, Alonso said the team lost its consistency and competitive edge during the second half against Brentford.
The Spaniard is still attempting to build a style that can give Chelsea control across entire matches. He admitted the team needed to examine itself, put in the work, and get better, with plenty of room still to grow.
Alonso is now the sixth manager to concede at least two goals in each of his first five Premier League matches in charge. Following the early optimism and wins generated by his attacking football, Chelsea head into the extended international break with three weeks to consider their latest defeat and the issues that persist.