Axel Disasi netted a late header to salvage a point for Chelsea in their Premier League fixture against Brentford.
Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken conceded a cheap corner, leading to punishment as Disasi capitalized on Cole Palmer’s delivery with a header, leveling the score with seven minutes remaining.
Yoane Wissa showcased brilliance with a sensational acrobatic volley, propelling Brentford ahead 2-1. However, their lead couldn’t withstand the pressure.
Sergio Reguilon’s cross was initially cleared, but Frank Onyeka’s flick set up Wissa for a remarkable finish.
Earlier in the match, Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring for Chelsea in the first half, swiftly followed by Mads Roerslev’s equalizer after the break.
Chelsea dominated the first half, with Jackson playing a significant role. Despite being denied an easy tap-in by Roerslev’s interception, Jackson capitalized on Malo Gusto’s precise cross to score his first league goal since mid-December.
Birthday blues for Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino, celebrating his 52nd birthday, expressed disappointment with the inefficiency of his Chelsea team.
Despite their comeback victory against Leeds in the FA Cup, securing a spot in the quarter-finals earlier in the week, Chelsea extended their unbeaten streak to three matches on the road in the Premier League with this result. However, they missed an opportunity to secure all three points.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, manager Pochettino said: “It was tough for us, we had the chances to score and lead the game and then when we conceded the second, I think we showed character.
“Three games in six days was tough and not too many changes. The team deserved more but unluckily we did not get the three points.
“Disappointed that we didn’t get the three points but in some points pleased because after the sixth day and the third game, I think the effort was massive. Overall we deserved the three points.”
Chelsea had 73.3% of possession over the opening 15 minutes as they controlled proceeding but failed to make it count, with shots off target from Fernandez and Disasi.
Eleven of their 17 shots in the match failed to find the target, with Cole Palmer guilty of missing a promising opportunity when he sent a first-time finish wide of the goal.
A Chelsea fan was seen holding up a damning sign at full-time which read: “I don’t want your shirt!! I want you to fight for ours.”
The Blues remain in the bottom half of the table, two points behind 10th-placed Wolves.
Porous Brentford punished again
It was yet another exasperating afternoon for Thomas Frank’s team at home, as they surged ahead only to concede late, missing out on what could have been a crucial victory.
Brentford has now allowed 50 goals in their 27 league matches this season, surpassing the 38 goals conceded in 38 matches during the 2022-23 campaign.
In the league this season, Brentford has squandered 28 points from leading positions, more than any other team.
Frank will be disappointed with how Brentford failed to secure the win. Despite being in control following Wissa’s impressive goal, the unnecessary concession of a corner by Flekken provided Chelsea with an opportunity to get back into the game.
“We would have loved three points and I think we performed to get three points. If we don’t concede on that corner then I’m convinced we would have won the game,” Frank told BBC Match of the Day.
“This was a Brentford performance, an identity I’m very proud of and I’m very proud when we play like this. With initiative, intensity, aggressive, we pressed high, we go after it; I was very, very pleased.”
Following a lackluster first half, Brentford showed significant improvement in the second period. Roerslev capitalized on a blocked shot from Reguilon, darting ahead of Disasi to slot home from close range.
Wissa added to Brentford’s tally in the 69th minute, but their momentary lapse in concentration led to punishment, extending their winless streak to four league games.
Currently positioned 15th in the table, Brentford holds just a six-point cushion above the relegation zone. They now face a challenging away fixture against the high-scoring Arsenal next Saturday at 17:30.