Brentford beat Chelsea 3-0 in Premier League as Thiago ends drought

Brentford beat Chelsea 3-0 in a Premier League match on 18 September 2026, with Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and substitute Fabio Carvalho on the scoresheet, and Brentford climbing to third while Chelsea extended a winless league run to three matches.

Igor Thiago scored his first Premier League goal of the season and celebrated by lifting his Brentford shirt, ending a four-game goalless run before kick-off; Jaidon Anthony opened the scoring and Fabio Carvalho added a late goal after coming on as a substitute. The result left Brentford third in the Premier League standings and extended Chelsea's league run without a victory to three matches.

Caoimhin Kelleher was credited with an accomplished display despite not being called on for any outstanding saves and was rated 6. Michael Kayode was given a 6 after a couple of sloppy passes and limited forward ventures. Kristoffer Ajer earned a 7 for his sizeable presence against crosses and set-pieces, while Jannik Schuster, rated 7, excelled in his own box, produced a nervous overhit backpass and then set up the winner.

Keane Lewis-Potter received a 6 after a poor clearance that led to a Neto chance but otherwise was effective on the counter-attack in his left-back role. Yehor Yarmoliuk marked his 100th appearance with a 7, threatening with a powerful long-range effort in the 37th minute and creating Brentford's best post-half-time chance. Vitaly Janelt was rated 7 for his physical midfield presence, noted for halting a Cole Palmer dribble early on and risking a penalty, "with a potential Germany debut on the horizon under new manager Jurgen Klopp." Mikkel Damsgaard was handed a 6, delivering the whipped corner that led to the opening goal despite an otherwise off-night from set-pieces and shooting.

Kevin Schade, rated 7, produced pressure-relieving dribbles and contributed to the final two goals while having a shot blocked in the first half. Igor Thiago was given a 7 after finally converting late to seal victory, having worked hard but struggled in front of goal earlier. Jaidon Anthony, also 7, recovered from a quiet first half and a missed early second-half chance to score the opener. Substitutes Mamadou Sangare (on 72 for Yarmoliuk) and Aaron Hickey (on 72 for Kayode) were rated 7 and 6 respectively for their combative duties and steady presence; El Hadji Malick Diouf (on 81 for Lewis-Potter) and Dango Ouattara (on 81 for Anthony) were listed N/A, while Fabio Carvalho (on 87 for Damsgaard) was rated 7 for ghosting in to add a late goal. Subs not used were Ballcombe, Henry, Wilson and Frederick.

For Chelsea, Emiliano Martinez was rated 6 after facing no clear first-half chances or difficult set-pieces and being unable to prevent Brentford's opener. Wesley Fofana received a 6 for his physical work with long balls before being replaced on 72 minutes, while Maxence Lacroix was given a 4 despite winning most duels because he gave the ball away for Brentford's second goal and missed a late chance. Levi Colwill earned a 6 in a relatively quiet game and Pedro Neto a 6 after a well-struck 10th-minute effort was saved and he remained lively throughout.

Jordan Henderson was rated 7 after settling into the game following early boos, providing vocal leadership and delivering good corners. Valentin Barco, on his first Premier League start, impressed defensively and was more ambitious with passing, earning a 6. Pep Chavarria produced dangerous crosses and tidy possession work for a 7, while Cole Palmer, rated 7, was described as Chelsea's best player on the night though he was unable to produce a decisive moment. Danny Welbeck was given a 5 on his first Premier League start for Chelsea, creating a chance for Neto but ultimately substituted on 72 minutes; Morgan Rogers received a 5 after a blocked effort before half-time and finishing the match playing up front.

Chelsea substitutes Josh Acheampong (on 72 for Fofana) was rated 6, with the report stating "It was unclear why Acheampong came on when he did" and that he didn’t make much impact; Geovany Quenda (on 72 for Welbeck) earned a 6 for getting on the ball often without producing results. Estevao Willian (on 87 for Neto) and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli (on 87 for Barco) were listed N/A, and unused substitutes were Penders, Gusto, Hato, Lavia and Gittens.

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