Enzo Maresca took a big risk when naming his Chelsea side to take on Brentford, with it blowing up in his face as they failed to make it consecutive wins.
The Blues drew 0-0 with Brentford in the Premier League, temporarily keeping them in the top four but falling a pace behind a number of the sides around them.
Maresca rested the likes of Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella, with the Blues back in action in the Conference League on Thursday.
Wins in the Premier League are a necessity though at this stage of the season, and many will see the West London derby as a missed opportunity for three precious points.
The Chelsea Chronicle have given out player ratings for the Blues who were unable to break the deadlock in the capital.
Robert Sanchez: 7/10
Robert Sanchez had a quiet afternoon, but showed more signs of what Chelsea fans have been looking for from whoever is between the sticks.
Made a big save to deny Bryan Mbuemo in the second half, and took very few risks with his passing out from the back.
Malo Gusto: 6/10
Malo Gusto defended well one vs one, however given the freedom of his role didn’t offer enough in the attack for the Blues to overload their opponents.
Trevoh Chalobah: 6/10
Looked comfortable both in and out of possession as the Chelsea backline were never really tested in any meaningful way.
Trevoh Chalobah’s Chelsea future is unclear, however he is doing his chances of remaining at the club no harm with recent displays.
Tosin Adarabioyo: 6/10
Looked solid on his return to the starting side, Tosin Adarabioyo was the nominated leader of Chelsea’s defensive line, which looked like a three-at-the-back for large portions of the game.
Reece James: 7/10
Reece James continued to show his versatility by starting on the left of defence, after a number of recent appearances seeing him feature in the middle of the park.
Did well in what proved to be a running battle with Brentford’s best attacker, Bryan Mbuemo.
Moises Caicedo: 7/10
Not quite as impactful as he was against Tottenham, Moises Caicedo still cut an imperious figure in the midfield battle.
In what was a pretty open game at times, the Ecuadorian restored some level of clarity for the Blues in key areas.
Enzo Fernandez: 6/10
Enzo Fernandez was unable to impact proceedings in the final third like he has done for much of this season under Maresca.
Played a couple of nice balls in behind for his teammates which were not put away.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: 6/10
Making just his second Premier League start for Chelsea, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall picked up where he left off against Spurs with a busy shift in midfield.
Certainly proved that he has a role to play across the Premier League and Conference League in the final few weeks of the season.
Noni Madueke: 5/10
Pretty inaffective in his first start back from injury, although Noni Madueke did register Chelsea’s onluy shot in target in the first half.
Was replaced early in the second half as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.
Jadon Sancho: 5/10
As Madueke struggled down the right, Jadon Sancho had no more joy off the left wing as the Blues struggled to create anything of note for large portions of the game.
It was quite surprising that the loanee lasted the 90 minutes after
Christopher Nkunku: 4/10
A surprising inclusion in the starting line-up after not playing a minute against Tottenham, Christopher Nkunku summed up why opportunities have not really been coming his way this season.
Replaced at half-time, it would be a real surprise to see the Frenchman at the club after the conclusion of this season.
Nicolas Jackson: 7/10
Nicolas Jackson instantly dragged Chelsea into another gear after his introduction at half-time.
Still failed to show the real clinical edge that the Blues desire from their number nine, but only further proved how much they need him on the pitch right now.
Cole Palmer: 6/10
The mood in the away end was certainly lifted when Cole Palmer was introduced early in the second half.
Had a number of efforts on goal, however all were blocked, saved or missed the target. Still no goal for Chelsea’s star man.
Pedro Neto: 6/10
Was keen to take on his man whenever he got the ball, and Pedro Neto was not scared to take a shot on as Chelsea pushed for a goal.
Marc Cucurella: N/A
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