Midfield
CM – Enzo Fernandez – 6/10 – the midfielder often struggles when he is asked to play deeper. His work rate is there but he doesn’t always get involved as much as you would like. However, he did help set up Cole Palmer’s equaliser.
CM – Moises Caicedo – 7/10 – scored a superb goal, but he did look decidedly leggy, which is not a surprise after a long flight back from South America.
AM – Facundo Buonanotte – 6/10 – the 20-year-old had a decent debut, with some good close control before he was substituted at the break.
Forwards
RW – Pedro Neto – 6/10 – as is often the case, the winger struggled to find the final ball in the first 45 minutes. However, he should have had an assist for Palmer in the second half.
CF – Joao Pedro – 6/10 – won the header before the equaliser, but he was pretty poor other than that. He was clearly still suffering from fatigue after his late return from South America.
LW – Jamie Gittens – 4/10 – it would be harsh to write off the summer signing so quickly but he really doesn’t look like he’s worth £51.5m at the moment.
Substitutes
Tyrique George – 6/10 – forced Caoimhin Kelleher into a save soon after his introduction at the break.
Reece James – 6/10 – played most of the game in midfield after replacing Fofana. He did a decent job.
Marc Cucurella – 6/10 – looked more effective than Hato both defensively and in the final third.
Cole Palmer – 8/10 – took his goal superbly, and he could have had a second if he had taken more care with his finishing.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4/10 – his lapse of concentration meant that Carvalho was unmarked at the far post for Brentford’s late equaliser.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
