Garnacho, after just over a week training with his new club, started on the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium on 13/9. The Argentinian forward replaced Joao Pedro in the 79th minute and nearly played a part in a late Chelsea winner.
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Moises Caicedo (left) celebrates his goal, making it 2-1, with Alejandro Garnacho during Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Brentford in the fourth round of the Premier League at Gtech Community Stadium, London, England on 13/9. Photo: Chelsea FC |
Moises Caicedo (left) celebrates his goal, making it 2-1, with Alejandro Garnacho during Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Brentford in the fourth round of the Premier League at Gtech Community Stadium, London, England on 13/9. Photo: Chelsea FC
In the 85th minute, Garnacho drove down the left wing and sent a cross into the box, which was cleared by Keane Lewis-Potter. Moises Caicedo collected the loose ball, took aim, and unleashed a powerful shot into the near corner past former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, giving Chelsea a 2-1 lead.
The drama continued into stoppage time. In the third added minute, Kevin Schade’s long throw-in caused chaos in the Chelsea penalty area. The ball eventually fell to Fabio Carvalho who finished from close range to level the score at 2-2. This was Brentford's seventh goal from a throw-in in the Premier League since the start of last season, at least five more than any other team in the same period.
The 2-2 draw leaves Chelsea in fifth place with eight points, while Brentford move up to 12th with four points, level with Man Utd. In the next round, Chelsea return home to face Man Utd, while Brentford travel to Fulham.
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Cole Palmer celebrates his equalizing goal. Photo: Chelsea FC |
Cole Palmer celebrates his equalizing goal. Photo: Chelsea FC
At the Gtech Community Stadium, Chelsea dominated possession with 67% and had 16 shots, six of which were on target, compared to Brentford’s seven shots with four on target. The visitors started well but wasted numerous chances and paid the price. In the 35th minute, Kevin Schade latched onto a long ball from his own half, broke into the Chelsea box, and slotted a low shot into the far corner to open the scoring.
With his team trailing, manager Enzo Maresca brought on Cole Palmer, a midfielder recently recovered from injury, in the 56th minute. The English midfielder made an immediate impact, scoring just five minutes later with a left-footed curler into the near corner, leaving the Brentford goalkeeper rooted to the spot. However, in the 75th minute, Palmer missed a chance to put Chelsea ahead, hitting a weak shot straight at Kelleher from inside the box.
The 2-2 result is not ideal preparation for Chelsea ahead of their Champions League opener against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on 17/8.
Hong Duy
