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Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson produced a moment of brilliance during Brentford's draw with Chelsea.
Henderson looked up briefly, spotted Kevin Schade’s run, and delivered a perfectly weighted ball over Chelsea’s retreating defence. Though Brentford were largely forced onto the back foot, they carried a real threat through Schade and Brazilian forward Igor Thiago.
Chelsea, however, clawed their way back. After falling behind, Cole Palmer struck the equalizer to restore belief at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca’s side then turned the game on its head in the 85th minute, when Moises Caicedo finished from close range.
Yet the drama was far from over. With five minutes of added time signalled at the end of a gruelling contest, Brentford struck back. A long throw from the left by Schade caused chaos in the Chelsea area, and the defence faltered under pressure., with another former Red Fabio Carvalho snatching a point for the Bees.
Henderson delivered a commanding all-round performance, completing 78% of his passes and supplying seven incisive balls into the final third.
He was equally effective defensively, registering four clearances, three tackles, and three recoveries while winning three duels. His influence was capped with a vital assist, underlining his impact at both ends of the pitch.
On Henderson's assist, Brentford manager Keith Andrews speaking to Match of the Day said: "I think the detail around the way we wanted to approach it tonight was Kevin being slightly higher because of the pace.
"We didn't want to be camped in. Kevin's pace is just sensational and he's constantly growing in confidence. He's in a different stature now in our group, he's shown last season for large parts what a good player he is and he will be a big part."
Speaking to Sky Sports following the game, the midfielder said: "It's nice to be back playing at the highest level in the Premier League, it's the best league in the world so to be back playing in it means a lot.
"I'm so grateful for the opportunity to come back and show people I can still play at this level whether it's tonight or with the national team.
"I feel fit, I feel good, I just want to keep trying to enjoy my football and show people I can help the team going forward."
Liverpool.com says: Henderson may wear different colours now, but his class was unmistakable. That perfectly timed ball to Schade showed the vision and leadership Liverpool fans know so well. Its good to see him back in the Premier League.
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