EPL: Chelsea Drops Points as Brentford Comes from Behind to Draw 2-2

Brentford vs Chelsea ends in thrilling 2-2 draw

Chelsea's unbeaten start to the season continues despite 2-2 draw against Brentford, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo score for the Blues.

Brentford pushed hard for an equalizer, with Robert Sánchez making a crucial save to deny Dango Ouattara...

Brentford snatched a point from Chelsea in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium. Fabio Carvalho's 93rd-minute equalizer, tapping in from a long throw, denied Chelsea the win and maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

Brentford took the lead in the 35th minute when Kevin Schade scored from Jordan Henderson's perfectly weighted pass. Chelsea struggled to break down Brentford's defense in the first half, managing only one shot on target.

After Enzo Maresca's tactical changes at halftime, Chelsea's fortunes turned around. Cole Palmer, returning from injury, scored within five minutes of coming on as a substitute in the 56th minute, leveling the score. Moises Caicedo sealed the comeback with a powerful strike in the 85th minute, assisted by Alejandro Garnacho's cross.

Just when Chelsea seemed destined for victory, Brentford's set-piece strategy paid off. Michael Kayode's long throw caused chaos in the Chelsea box, and Carvalho bundled in the equalizer, marking his seventh goal from a throw-in since the start of last season.

Chelsea's squad selection saw Enzo Fernandez and Moisés Caicedo included despite their recent international commitments in South America. However, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, and Estevao were either benched or left out due to illness.

The first half was lackluster, with few clear chances at either end. Chelsea's offense struggled, particularly without Cole Palmer's creativity in the starting lineup. Palmer was relegated to the substitutes' bench, and his absence was felt.

The hosts broke the deadlock with a well-worked goal. Jordan Henderson's perfectly weighted pass allowed Kevin Schade to run onto the ball, cut inside Tosin Adarabiayo, and find the bottom corner with a shot that was slightly deflected.

Chelsea pushed hard in the final minutes of the half, with Enzo Fernández's corner hitting the post coming closest to an equalizer. Despite their efforts, Brentford held on to their lead going into halftime.

The introduction of Marc Cucurella and Reece James in the second half gave Chelsea more control. However, it was Cole Palmer's arrival as a substitute that brought the quality Chelsea needed. Palmer's impact was immediate, showcasing his skill and precision.

What a finish. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/7IEmUSLdWo

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 13, 2025

Within minutes of entering the game, Palmer leveled the score with a beautifully struck shot from inside the area. His composure and technique were on full display as he calmly slotted the ball into the corner, giving Chelsea a much-needed boost.

As both teams pushed for a winner, Kevin Schade forced a strong save from Robert Sánchez, while Cole Palmer had a golden opportunity to give Chelsea the lead from Pedro Neto's cutback. However, Brentford's goalkeeper Kelleher made a crucial stop to deny Palmer.

Chelsea's persistence paid off as Alejandro Garnacho, making his debut, drove towards the byline and cut a ball back. Although Brentford's defense managed to half-clear, Moisés Caicedo seized the opportunity, taking his time to hammer a shot into the back of the net and give Chelsea the lead.

Brentford pushed hard for an equalizer, with Robert Sánchez making a crucial save to deny Dango Ouattara. The Bees' persistence paid off in the 94th minute when Fabio Carvalho tapped home at the back post after a long throw from Kevin Schade.

The 2-2 draw means Chelsea misses the opportunity to reach the top of the table. They will need to regroup quickly ahead of their UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. For Brentford, the late goal provides a morale boost as they continue to adapt under new management.