Chelsea’s defensive problems worsened on Friday as Brentford cruised to a 3-0 win over Xabi Alonso’s side in the west London derby.
Brentford broke the deadlock in the 61st minute after Jannik Schuster headed Mikkel Damsgaard’s corner across goal, allowing Jaidon Anthony to head home unmarked from close range.
Chelsea pushed for an equaliser but were exposed on the counter-attack. Kevin Schade raced through on goal and saw his effort saved by Emiliano Martinez, only for Igor Thiago to pounce on the rebound and double Brentford’s lead in the 82nd minute.
Fabio Carvalho completed the rout deep into stoppage time, finishing Schade’s cross at the far post to score his first Premier League goal since returning from a lengthy injury absence.
The defeat means Chelsea have conceded 12 goals in their opening five Premier League matches, the highest tally in the division, while they are still waiting for their first clean sheet of the campaign.
Chelsea also struggled to create clear opportunities, with the absence of the injured Joao Pedro felt in attack. Danny Welbeck, who replaced him, failed to trouble the Brentford defence.
Moises Caicedo was another notable absentee, with Jordan Henderson making his first start for Chelsea against his former club but unable to influence the result.
Cole Palmer showed flashes of promise, while Pedro Neto came closest for Chelsea early on, forcing a save from Caoimhin Kelleher in the ninth minute.
Brentford’s victory made them the first side to prevent Chelsea from scoring this season and extended their unbeaten start to the campaign, moving them into third place.
For Alonso, meanwhile, Chelsea have now gone three Premier League matches without a victory.