Chelsea’s advance for a place in the top four this season was a blow on Sunday with a frustrating 0-0 draw in Brentford.
The much -changed blues could not impress in the first half and were only brought to life after a series of substitutions after the break, but there was no way through a determined defense of Brentford, which will feel a share of the prey they deserve.
How the game unfolds
The hosts started the game brightly, shot into a handful of nervous crosses and occasionally pressed Chelsea from behind. Kevin Schade’s pace caused many problems, but it was Mikkel Damsgaard who raced on Robert Sanchez ‘goal to lose his foot when he started striking.
Bryan Mbumo spanned the half -hour brand when Brentford refused to offer Chelsea a way into the game. Noni Maduekes Routine strike was the only real goal of the blues in a bitter, disappointing first half, in which they registered 58% property, but only an effort for the goal.
The half -time introduction of Nicolas Jackson brought an increase in pace and the replacement colleague Pedro Neto Stung Mark Flekken’s gloves with a curly effort from the edge of the box after an hour.
At the other end, Robert Sanchez got a strong wrist to a strong strike by Bryan Mbumo, and the following corner should have leaded to a start for Brentford. Sepp van den Berg got away in the six-yard box, but sent his free header into the ground and jumped over the bar.
Ultimately, there would be no separation of the two sides, both of whom feel that they earn the chances of earning all three points here.
Enzo Maresca made five changes to his starting line -up here and decided to rest big names such as Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella. In view of the importance of this game, this was a surprise compared to those that were on the calendar.
Chelsea is in action in the first leg of her quarter -finals against Legia Warsaw, but that seems to be a easier game on paper. Then Chelsea competes against the 18th city of Ipswich Town. This was the most important of the three, since it is undoubtedly the greatest reward for the blues because it is undoubtedly the greatest reward.
When Maresca’s biggest names came from the bank in the second half, it triggered an urgently needed improvement to Chelsea, but there wasn’t enough time to win the victory they needed. A great risk of the boss that does not pay off.
After Jackson had fallen onto the bench, Christopher Nkunku received another chance at the head of the Chelsea team blades. The Frenchman did not impress it outside the conference league this season, and that was the case again.
During his time in the field, Nkunku only made one shot (off -tart), three touches in the Brentford Box and four duels. Enzo Fernandez even expressed his frustrations towards what he thought of a lack of movement from the French, who was enthusiastic about Jackson during the break.
Maresca’s confidence in Nkunku has dropped with every temporary performance, and there will soon be a time when it disappears completely. Chelsea will sign a new striker this summer and it seems clear who will make space in the squad.
With the results that slowed down for Chelsea in 2025, the supporters have vented their frustrations to what many consider many as an overwhelming style of play from Maresca’s side.
Fans in the GTech Community Stadium brought the rare vocals of “attack! Attack! Attack!” In the first half and then sarcastically rare Madueke’s tame effort with a choir from “We had a shot!”.
With missed opportunities and the race for a place in the top 4, which is no longer in your hands, the pressure will only be improved in Chelsea in the coming weeks, and supporters will require immediate improvements.
Take a look at the Player ratings from Brentford 0-0 Chelsea.