Chelsea ratings: Kepa’s redemption story continues as Trevoh Chalobah also shines to deny Brentford
CHELSEA were left frustrated after their visit to West London neighbours Brentford.
Graham Potter remains unbeaten in charge of the Blues after the goalless draw at the Brentford Community Stadium.
However, he will be left with a number of dilemmas ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The right wing-back dilemma remains a major concern for him.
But luckily for him he has a goalkeeper who is producing his best form for years.
Sun Sport’s Gary Stonehouse was at Brentford to run the rule over each Chelsea player:
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KEPA ARRIZABALAGA – 9
Tipped over Ivan Toney’s header on eight minutes then showed brilliant reflexes to deny the striker again from close-range after he met Loftus-Cheek’s miskewed flick.
Has prevented more goals than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season and he was the scourge of the Bees tonight.
Another great performance.
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RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 5
Deployed in the unfamiliar wing-back role down the right and looked uncomfortable.
Fortunate not to give away a penalty after a clumsy tangle with Bryan Mbeumo and his strike that narrowly avoided going into the Thames summed up his first half.
Managed to get forward more in the second period as Chelsea pressed but still not enough to make any real impact.
CESAR AZPILICUETA – 7
Mopped up well for Loftus-Cheek in the opening period and came close with a low drive from distance that forced David Raya into action.
Was caught out a few times for pace in the gap between him and RLC but his experience got him through it.
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 9
Deployed in the centre of his two much-more experienced centre-halves, the 23-year-old covered their lack of pace superbly.
Made lots of key tackles and interceptions while handling the physical threat of Toney well.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY – 7
Struggled against the pace of the Bees attack and was almost caught out by livewire Frank Onyeka after he was caught on the ball, but Chalobah was there to clean up his mess.
But he redeemed himself with a succession of vital blocks and enjoyed a good battle with Ivan Toney.
MARC CUCURELLA – 7
Vital clearance inside two minutes to take it off the toes of Mbeumo inside the box and was brilliant in the early exchanges.
Brentford began to expose the gap between him and Koulibaly before he was taken off.
JORGINHO – 6
Produced his usual tireless display in the heart of the Chelsea midfield.
Always made himself available for possession and worked hard all evening.
CONOR GALLAGHER – 4
Limped off after just quarter of an hour without making any meaningful impact except one floated cross.
MASON MOUNT – 6
Has been in sensational form of late but it just failed to click for him here.
Was taken off in the second half.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
Hardly involved at all in first 45 except for dropping in the box after claiming he’d been tugged by Ben Mee.
Blasted straight at Raya before being replaced after a quiet display.
ARMANDO BROJA – 6
After a low-key beginning, the Albanian grew into the game and demonstrated why his pace and power can cause problems at this level.
Outdid Ben Mee twice for pace as his confidence grew and will feel hard done by that his first start for the Blues ended early as he looked far more dangerous than Havertz.
SUBSTITUTIONS
MATEO KOVACIC (ON 15 MINS) – 7
Produced a lovely dribble soon after his introduction and worked hard and threaded several nice balls forward that his attackers were unable to capitalise on.
CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (ON 62 MINS) – 7
Took the place of Mount and injected much-needed pace on the counter.
Looked dangerous every time he had the ball and attacked, and was denied by Raya in the closing seconds, which should lead to him getting more opportunities from Potter.
RAHEEM STERLING (ON 62 MINS) – 6
Replaced Broja but was deployed down the left at wing-back.
Tried everything to force through a winner as the seconds ticked on but could not conjure up the magic ingredient.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC (ON 62 MINS) – 5
Replaced Cucurella and buzzed around in attack but could not make anything happen.
Stung the hands of Raya late on with a fierce drive.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (ON 81 MINS) – 5
Arrived late into the game but had some flashes, including a late run and shot that was scooped up by Raya.