Chelsea thumped by Brentford as Jordan Henderson has nightmare return - 5 talking points

2026-09-18 · Mirror

BRENTFORD 3-0 CHELSEA: Xabi Alonso's Blues are now three games without a win in the Premier League after being downed by their West London neighbours on Fridat evening

Chelsea's Premier League struggles continued on Friday evening after being torn apart by West London rivals Brentford.

Fans had to wait a while for their first goal of the game but Jaidon Anthony was on hand to nod the home side into a second-half lead.

The Bees then took total control late on through last season's sensation Igor Thiago. Ex-Liverpool star Fabio Carvalho made sure of the points in stoppage time.

It leaves Keith Andrews' men flying high in the Champions League places, while the Blues are now three league games without a win.

Here are all of the talking points from the Gtech Community Stadium:

Brentford fans make feelings clear

It was a surprise to see England's Jordan Henderson seal a move to Chelsea this summer. And while Brentford were happy to facilitate his switch across West London, the same cannot be said of Bees fans.

Making his full debut for the Blues, he was loudly booed by the home supporters with every touch. And it ended up being a nightmare return, with his new employers slipping to a miserable defeat.

In Henderson's defence, he was not the only one given a somewhat hostile reception. Argentina star Valentin Barco was also booed following his antics at this summer's World Cup.

Schuster shines

Given how dangerous Chelsea have been going forwards, Brentford did an excellent job at keeping them at arms' length. A major factor behind that was Jannik Schuster.

Before Friday evening's game, he had only started one Premier League game following his summer move from Red Bull Leipzig. But he looked more than at home.

He marshalled Danny Welbeck extremely well, while he also provided a crucial block to halt Morgan Rogers' goal-bound effort. The 20-year-old also notched an assist in what was an impressive display.

Anthony strikes first

Chelsea can't say they weren't warned on a few occasions before they went behind. Brentford were a serious threat from set pieces throughout the evening, while Anthony also threatened to give the Bees the lead, having seen a headed effort tipped over by Emi Martinez - albeit having been flagged offside.

But Chelsea had no such let-off just after the hour mark. A corner was fired towards the far post and it was nodded back across goal by Schuster.

It left Anthony unmarked and he had the simple task of nodding home his first goal for the Bees.

Chelsea's dismal defence

Given how sparkling the Blues' attack has been under Xabi Alonso so far this season, the Spanish coach still hasn't quite been able to fix an issue that has troubled them throughout the past year: their defence.

It's now 21 Premier League games without a clean sheet for the West Londoners, a truly dismal record. In fact, they've already conceded 12 goals in the league this season - no other side in the entire league have a leakier defence.

If Alonso wants to achieve anything at Stamford Bridge, he really needs to put some serious work into tightening Chelsea up at the back.

Igor Thiago back in the goals

After a sensational campaign last term, Brazilian forward Igor Thiago has had somewhat of a nightmare this term. Ahead of taking on Chelsea, he was without a goal in the Premier League and that looked likely to continue on Friday.

He struggled throughout the evening, with little coming off. That was until the closing stages as he tapped home from Martinez's save from Kevin Schade's effort.

It was just the type of goal that he needed and he will certainly hope that his strike can kick-start his campaign.

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