A weight off Thiago's shoulders - Brentford v Chelsea ratings

Emiliano Martinez received a 6 after struggling to cope with Brentford’s early chances and set‑pieces during the opening half. Wesley Fofana was also awarded a 6; the French defender handled the long balls well before being withdrawn for Josh Acheampong in the 72nd minute. Maxence Lacroix earned a 4, having contained Igor Thiago for most of the game and winning the majority of his duels, but he gave away the ball for Brentford’s second goal and missed a clear chance late on. Levi Colwill posted a 6, delivering a quiet performance compared with his usual standards after being omitted from the England squad. Pedro Neto was given a 6; his effort in the 10th minute was saved, he remained lively throughout, linked up effectively in attack and stretched Brentford with his pace. Jordan Henderson earned a 7, showing no signs of rust after initial boos, settling into the match, appearing vocal on the pitch and delivering several useful corners into the box. Valentin Barco, making his first Premier League start, was rated 6; he impressed defensively and displayed more ambition in his passing than Henderson. Pep Chavarria also received a 7, producing a few dangerous crosses, maintaining tidy possession and putting in a largely positive display despite a lapse in defensive concentration in the first half that led to a free‑kick. Cole Palmer was rated 7, described as Chelsea’s standout performer of the night with much of the attacking play flowing through him, although he failed to produce the decisive moment he sought, his free‑kick being comfortably saved and few other clear chances falling his way, while also contributing defensively. Danny Welbeck, making his first Premier League start for Chelsea at age 35, was awarded a 5; he created an opportunity for Neto but could not compensate for the absence of injured striker Joao Pedro, and his substitution in the 72nd minute spoke volumes. Morgan Rogers also received a 5; his effort was blocked inside the penalty area just before halftime, the club‑record £117m signing could have done more to attack the header that led to Brentford’s opener, and he finished the match playing higher up the field as a makeshift striker. Among the substitutes, Josh Acheampong, who came on for Fofana in the 72nd minute, earned a 6, though it remained unclear why he was introduced and, as a young defender, he made little impact in those circumstances. Geovany Quenda, replacing Welbeck in the 72nd minute, also received a 6; he frequently got on the ball and attempted to influence the game for Chelsea without producing any tangible result. Estevao Willian, introduced for Neto in the 87th minute, and Mahdi Nicoll‑Jazuli, who came on for Barco at the same time, were both listed as N/A. The unused substitutes were Penders, Gusto, Hato, Lavia and Gittens.