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Two crucial points slipped away just when it looked like all three were within reach.
Enzo Maresca’s disbelief in that moment was completely understandable.
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Without Cole Palmer, Maresca’s side might have walked away with a defeat instead of merely feeling saddened by the loss of their lead at the end.
Fabio Carvalho’s last-minute strike, a result of Chelsea’s mishandling of a long throw-in, overshadowed Palmer’s significant contributions.
Palmer, who came on as Chelsea was trailing due to Kevin Schade’s first-half goal, demonstrated just how vital he is becoming for the team’s ambitions.
His equalizer—his first Premier League goal in open play in eight months—was an impressive side-footed half-volley from eight yards.
This moment set the stage for a sensational strike from Moises Caicedo that appeared to secure the win.
However, the narrative changed dramatically when Carvalho found himself with an open net after Kristoffer Ajer flicked on Schade’s throw-in.
Given Chelsea’s overall performance, they couldn’t contest the outcome.
Without Palmer, they appeared disengaged and uninspired, caught by surprise by Schade’s opening goal and lacking in creativity.
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Even if Palmer wasn’t at full fitness—revealing why he, along with Reece James and Marc Cucurella, started on the bench while a bug sidelined Brazilian prodigy Estevao—his influence is unmistakable.
And Chelsea needed that lift.
Possession without purpose—which Maresca faced criticism for last season—brings no tangible results.
From the 15th minute when Trevoh Chalobah’s header went off target, until the dying seconds of the first half when Enzo Fernandes’ left-footed shot was deflected, Chelsea struggled to challenge Caoimhin Kelleher.
Brentford had already signaled how they might exploit the Blues.
Just six minutes in, a long ball found Schade at the edge of Chelsea’s box, but Tosin Adarabioyo made a crucial block.
It was almost from the same spot where the home side struck first.
Chalobah ventured too deep into Brentford’s half and failed to win his sliding tackle, allowing Jordan Henderson to deliver a deep diagonal pass.
Wesley Fofana, in his first start since March, was caught out of position.
Schade burst into the box, and this time his shot slipped through Tosin’s legs to find the net.
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Maresca made several adjustments, introducing James, Cucurella, and Tyrique George, while Fofana, summer signing Jorrel Hato, and on-loan Facundo Buonanotte were substituted before bringing Palmer into the game.
The impact was instantaneous.
Chelsea began to charge towards the box with renewed intent.
Palmer seized the opportunity, executing a precisely timed half-volley to score after Joao Pedro leaped over Sepp van den Berg to connect with Enzo’s cross from the right.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez narrowly thwarted an immediate effort from Schade, but the moment belonged to Palmer.
He nearly put Chelsea ahead with a shot that was too close to Kelleher after Pedro Neto made a run into the area.
Alejandro Garnacho, making his debut for the Blues, witnessed his low cross partially cleared before Caicedo unleashed a powerful shot that rocketed into the top corner.
Ultimately, it was Brentford that had the last word, much to the joy of their supporters. Without Palmer, Chelsea might not have salvaged even a single point.
