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CHELSEA 2-0 BRENTFORD: The full Blues player ratings after Liam Rosenior led his side to victory in his first match in charge in the Premier League
Liam Rosenior's first taste of Premier League football at Stamford Bridge ended with Chelsea picking up a crucial three points against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues were denied an early penalty when Joao Pedro went down in the box following a collision with Michael Kayode. Chelsea players and supporters were furious with referee John Brooks, who shook his head with no hesitation.
Later in the first-half, Chelsea took the lead. Joao Pedro's strike was initially ruled out for offside but after a VAR check, the Brazilian was deemed in a legal position as he scored his first goal of 2026.
Brentford should have equalised moments into the second-half through Kevin Schade but Robert Sanchez did brilliantly to keep the German's strike out with his feet. Chelsea made the visitors pay for a host of missed opportunities when Cole Palmer scored from the penalty spot on 76 minutes.
Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Chelsea players out of 10 based on their performance:
Robert Sanchez -
Sanchez's long kicking was tremendous. An area of his game he has really improved in recent times. A fantastic save in the first-half to stop Tosin Adarabioyo scoring an own goal, with the Spaniard showing excellent reflexes to keep the ball out. Another superb save in the second-half to keep out Schade. Excellent performance. 8.
Reece James -
James wasn't able to have too much of an impact going forward but did well in defensive situations. Off on 6.
Trevoh Chalobah -
Chalobah got sat down by Schade early on, with the Brentford attacker wasting a great chance for the visitors. Not Chalobah's best game, unfortunately, but by no means a disaster. Some good moments. 6.
Tosin Adarabioyo -
A bit of a surprise starter, perhaps picked for his ability in the air. He met a long throw-in well on eight minutes, with the Bees particularly dangerous from those situations. If his job was to win those difficult headers against the physical Brentford attack, then it was a job well done. Came off injured, hopefully it's nothing too serious. 7.
Marc Cucurella -
Cucurella did well. He wasn't able to have too much of an impact in attacking areas today. His side was targeted early on by Brentford but the Spain international played himself into the game. 6.
Moises Caicedo -
Back in the side after serving a suspension against Arsenal. Solid in there. A couple of big challenges to stop Brentford progressing.
Enzo Fernandez -
Fernandez did really well around 10 minutes in to set up a good chance for Joao Pedro, with the Brazilian falling over inside the box and wanting a penalty. Either way, it was a fabulous turn and pass from Fernandez to set the chance up. 8.
Pedro Neto -
Neto started brightly. He set up a good chance for Palmer early on that was missed by Chelsea's No.10. Should have had an assist for Alejandro Garnacho, who hit it wide from close range, after a fantastic low cross. His performance levels got worse in the second-half. 6.
Cole Palmer -
Chelsea supporters were delighted to see their No.10 involved once again. Scored from the penalty spot, but apart from that, he didn't look fit. Great for him to get on the score sheet, though. 7.
Alejandro Garnacho -
After scoring two goals in the week, the Argentine earned a place in the starting line-up. Misses an absolute sitter moments before half-time. Off on 58 minutes. 4.
Joao Pedro -
The Brazilian scored with a fantastic strike on 26 minutes. Left-footed into the roof of the net. His work-rate, on top of a fine goal, was really impressive as well. 7.
Andrey Santos (on for Garnacho 58') -
Came on around 58 minutes into the match. A couple of nice passes. Improving every week. 6.
Wesley Fofana (on for Tosin Adarabioyo 58') -
Fofana entered the pitch at the same time as Santos. Won some crucial headers. 6.
Liam Delap (on for Joao Pedro 74') -
Good to see him back and feeling better. Does really well to win the penalty. Positive contribution again from Delap. 7.
Jorrel Hato (on for Fernandez 85) -
Came on and played in midfield for a few minutes. N/A.
Josh Acheampong (on for James 85) -
A few minutes at right-back for the teenager. N/A.
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