Brentford beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, as the Bees made history with their continued domination of the Blues.
Thomas Frank’s side have become the first team in Premier League history to win their first three games away at Chelsea. West London is theirs.
After Chelsea dominated the first half, Brentford struck early in the second as Ethan Pinnock headed home.
Chelsea never truly looked like getting back in the game and in the 96th minute Robert Sanchez came up for a corner and the ball broke to Brentford as the excellent Bryan Mbeumo tapped home into an empty net.
With the win Brentford move above Chelsea in the table and on to 13 points. Chelsea remain on 12 points as their slow start to the season continues.
[ MORE: 10 key questions for Week 10 of the Premier League season ]
Same old story for goal-shy Chelsea
The writing was on the wall for Chelsea once again. Pochettino, his players and the fans all knew what was coming. The first half played out how so many others have this season as they dominated possession, carved out chances but snatched at them and were made to pay. Chelsea cannot keep missing these big chances and expect to win games. With Nkunku still out, they’re missing a clinical finisher. But even so, the chances which are falling to others have to be taken. They aren’t that difficult. With just 13 goals scored in 10 games, it seems to be more of a mental issue now as even in their impressive display against Arsenal last week, they should have been out of sight and 3-0 up at half time. Chelsea have real quality in attack but Pochettino isn’t getting the best out of them and he needs someone to step up, fast. Broja and Mudryk were missing and they will be straight back in when they’re back because Chelsea badly need players who are focused on one thing: shooting from anywhere and being direct. Right now, the Blues are getting in their own heads and it is costing them the chance to close the gap on the top four. It is still early in the season but unless they can be calmer and more clinical in front of goal, their Champions League dreams may soon be over.
What’s next?
Chelsea host Blackburn in the League Cup on Wednesday, then head to Tottenham on Monday, Nov. 6 in a huge London derby. Brentford host West Ham on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Chelsea vs Brentford player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com, you can see Mbeumo had himself a day (once again). Pinnock, Ajer and and Norgaard were excellent in defense for Brentford. Chelsea huffed and puffed Caicedo was good in midfield, but the Blues’ attackers struggled.
How to watch Chelsea vs Brentford live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 7:30am ET, Saturday (Oct. 28)
TV channel: USA Network
Online: Stream live on NBCSports.com
GOALLL! Chelsea 0-2 Brentford - Bryan Mbeumo
Game. Set. Match. Mbeumo taps home into an empty net after Sanchez came up for a corner and got caught out.
Chelsea assistant coach Jesus Perez sent off
Oh dear. Chelsea assistant Jesus Perez has been sent off. Six minutes of stoppage time.
Brentford are comfortably heading to yet another win at Chelsea
The Bees are buzzing and Chelsea are as flat as a pancake. Pochettino has a face like thunder and although the sun is shining, Chelsea’s fan look miserable. Rightly so. It has been the same old story, once again.
GOALLL! Chelsea 0-1 Brentford - Ethan Pinnock
Well this was always going to happen. Brentford recycle a long throw and Mbeumo crosses to the back post for Pinnock to head home. He was unmarked. Chelsea totally switched off. Wow. After all that pressure, Chelsea are punished.
Half time - Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
A pretty dominant first half from Chelsea but it seems like it will be the same old story. They’ve had half chances and had most of the possession, but they’re snatching at chances. Brentford have looked dangerous on the odd counter attack so Chelsea need to be wary of that in the second half.
Bright start from Chelsea
Jackson, Madueke and Gallagher all have efforts early on and the hosts are dominating possession. Chelsea look very comfortable and Brentford are hanging on. Cucurella should probably score after Cole Palmer’s lovely clipped ball over the top. It is one-way traffic and moments later Sterling should also do better with a chance. Thomas Frank is barking out orders from the sidelines as he tries to get his Brentford side going.
Chelsea lineup
Sanchez; Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Cucurella; Gallagher, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Jackson
Focus on Chelsea
OUT: Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Trevor Chalobah (thigh), Romeo Lavia (ankle), Ben Chilwell (thigh), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Armando Broja (knee)
Brentford lineup
Flekken; Ajer, Pinnock, Collins; Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Hickey; Mbeumo, Wissa
Focus on Brentford
OUT: Rico Henry (knee), Ivan Toney (suspension), Kevin Schade (adductor), Joshua Dasilva (thigh), Shandon Baptiste (shoulder), Mikkel Damsgaard (knee), Keane Lewis-Potter (lower leg)