Overview
- Joao Pedro opened the scoring after a VAR overturn on an initial offside flag, and Cole Palmer sealed the result from the spot.
- The penalty followed a poor Nathan Collins back-pass and Caoimhin Kelleher’s heavy touch, with Liam Delap drawing the foul before Palmer converted.
- Robert Sánchez was named player of the match after crucial stops, including denying Kevin Schade, as Brentford missed multiple chances and hit the woodwork through Mathias Jensen.
- Reece James and Cole Palmer returned to Chelsea’s starting XI, with Moisés Caicedo back from suspension and Alejandro Garnacho also starting.
- The 3pm kick-off was not televised in the UK due to the broadcast blackout, and pre-match protests targeted Chelsea’s ownership outside Stamford Bridge.