By Chelsea’s struggles on the road persisted as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Brentford in Sunday’s Premier League clash, dealing another blow to their Champions League push.
Manager Enzo Maresca made five changes to the side that edged Tottenham 1-0 last Thursday, with Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Pedro Neto introduced as second-half substitutes. Their arrival added some attacking urgency, but Chelsea failed to truly test Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Brentford came close to snatching victory, with Bryan Mbeumo forcing a strong save from Robert Sanchez and Sepp Van Den Berg heading over late on. Palmer nearly stole it for Chelsea with the game’s last kick, but his effort sailed just over.
The result extends Chelsea’s winless run away from Stamford Bridge since their 4-3 victory over Tottenham in early December. They remain fourth in the table, two points ahead of Manchester City, who faced Manchester United later on Sunday. Aston Villa and Newcastle, with two games in hand, remain in the chase for a top-four finish.
