Chelsea's familiar softness returns in Brentford humbling

Under Friday night lights in west London, Chelsea's title talk crumbled into a 3-0 defeat at Brentford.

Brentford

— – —

NS · Premier League

Chelsea

What happened. Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Brentford at the Gtech Stadium, lacking the cohesion, intelligence, commitment and energy of a side with title aspirations. It leaves Xabi Alonso's team without a win in three games.

• Brentford scored from a training-ground set piece and a rapid late counter.
• Jordan Henderson made his Chelsea debut against the club he left in the summer.
• Keith Andrews' Brentford head into the weekend in third spot.

“There is a new coach and some new players at Stamford Bridge but we have seen this softness before.”

— Ian Ladyman

Chelsea could sit in the bottom half by Sunday night after a draw and two defeats in three winless games.

In this story

ChelseaBrentfordXabi Alonso

More to read

Daily Mail Football

Xabi Alonso hits out at Chelsea stars for dropping their 'competitive mentality' as Blues boss sends warning after dismal 3-0 defeat by Brentford

Football.London

Five things spotted in Chelsea training before Brentford as Xabi Alonso drops starting XI hint

Football.London

Every word Xabi Alonso said on Joao Pedro injury, Caicedo latest, Chelsea owners and Brentford

Metro Football

John Terry urges Xabi Alonso to make big change after Chelsea’s defeat to Brentford