5 Things Learned: Brentford 0-0 Chelsea | Premier League

Chelsea drew 0-0 with Brentford in a cagey game at the Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday evening in the Premier League.

Kepa Arrizabalaga made two brilliant saves in the first half of the match to keep the score level to deny Ivan Toney on both occasions as the hosts threatened.

The Spaniard was called into action in the second half and continued his fine form to keep five clean sheets in a row, justifying his spot as Chelsea’s current number one.

Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea punches the ball clear ahead of Rico Henry of Brentford during the Premier League match. (Alamy)

Graham Potter made changes throughout the game as Chelsea looked for a winner and to preserve their clean sheet, but had to settle for a point despite a late flurry of half chances.

Chelsea will hope to improve on this showing when they host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Here is what Absolute Chelsea learned from the draw in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

1) Kepa Arrizabalaga in the form of his life

Considering his first few seasons at Chelsea, and the emergence of Edouard Mendy, it seemed impossible for Kepa Arrizabalaga to ever re-establish himself as Chelsea’s first choice goalkeeper. With a new manager backing him though, the future seems bright for the Spaniard with The Blues. An amazing performance against Aston Villa followed up by an impressive performance to deny Brentford showed that Chelsea did actually pay for quality when they made him the World’s most expensive goalkeeper. Kepa is also extremely competent with his feet which suits Potters style, unlike Mendy whose footballing abilities were always questionable when not using his hands.

2)  Armando Broja staking his claim to play a big part this season

He didn’t score, and was substituted after 60 minutes, but Armando Broja showed a lot of tenacity and quality which could have a part to play in Chelsea’s success this season. Leading the line, he showcased his strength and pace, and created chances for himself. He also brought teammates into the game, and looked confident on the ball.

Armando Broja in the attack for Chelsea against Brentford. (Alamy)

3) Ben Chilwell should be ahead of Cucurella based on current form

Another questionable performance from the £62 million signing from Brighton. Didn’t look comfortable on the ball or when defending. Chilwell is at this present time a better option on the left side of the defence, being able to defend with authority, whilst also being a consistent attacking threat when he starts. Potter confirmed pre-match that Chilwell’s workload was being managed after returning from a long-term ligament injury.

4) Promising signs from Carney Chukwuemeka as Potter shows faith

After coming off the bench in the second half, the young Englishman who signed from Aston Villa in the summer, looked confident on the ball, and wasn’t afraid to get physical, and made his presence felt on the pitch when he came on. He did nothing spectacular, but it could turn out to be a very good signing for the future. 

5) Still work to be done for Graham Potter despite unbeaten start

An incredibly promising start for the new manager, but the last few games show that this Chelsea team is by no means the finished article. Broja put himself about well, and Sterling and Aubameyang combined well when they were brought on towards the end of the match, but for much of the game, The Blues lacked a real cutting edge. After some great results, tonight Chelsea fans may have been brought back down to earth.