Six days after the defeat at Wembley, Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at Chelsea appeared more precarious than ever. Away enthusiasts were dismissing his name with disdain, in the same way that Todd Boehly was. Roman Abramovich and José Mourinho were applauded from the rafters. If only Chelsea could emulate the spirited performance of the depleted Brentford.
Once more, Chelsea’s talisman, Cole Palmer, assisted Axel Disasi’s equalizer. The strain may be temporarily alleviated; the club’s many executives are not required to join an urgent Zoom call. However, WhatsApp messages will reveal that the tide is nearly in Chelsea’s manager’s favor.
“Today is Pochettino’s 52nd birthday,” he declared with little anticipation of acclaim. “I am extremely knowledgeable about this business.” He based his team’s sluggishness on a week that included Wednesday’s victory over Leeds, which was unconvincing. That was problematic due to its similarity to countless other Chelsea performances he oversaw.
Brentford’s instability is considerably more comprehensible; Thomas Frank’s squad is beset with injuries, with Ben Mee’s season-long absence depriving the Dane of his entire starting lineup in defense. Frank stated, “We play a game even if seven key players are absent.”
The fact that their proprietor, Matthew Benham, is seeking new investors brings to mind the financial resources necessary to found a Premier League club. In addition to fitness and good fortune, the resurgence of collective spirit, which was absent in the first half, is also a significant factor. Brentford’s lead-giving overhead kick by Yoane Wissa was a moment of extraordinary brilliance, demonstrating a determination to seize the ball that few Chelsea players displayed.
This admission of accountability contrasts Pochettino’s Friday remark that he does not influence Conor Gallagher’s future due to club hierarchies. An additional installment in a Chelsea campaign in which dysfunction has been a recurring motif.
His squad continues to reflect that confidence, contributing quality with contributions such as Nicolas Jackson’s outstanding opener and the lack of focus that enabled Mads Roerslev to equalize. Chelsea’s previous vigor had subsided when Brentford seized a merited lead; the adage “billionaire bottle jobs” appeared more applicable than ever.
As the head coach, Pochettino acknowledged his low popularity rating with an additional sigh and stated, “I am accountable.” “I have no cause for concern. We must come to terms with this relationship. Someone inquired whether I experienced the followers’ affection. We must strengthen the bond between the coaching staff, the coach, and the supporters. “Strengthening a relationship through victory in games.”
Following a minute of jubilation for one of Brentford’s most cherished adopted sons, Stan Bowles, Gallagher formed a lineup with Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, an eccentric pair representing Chelsea. During the second half, Caicedo criticized his team’s star player, Malo Gusto, for an erroneous pass. His performance raised the question of what transpired with the Brighton-based player. Fernández was substituted immediately following Chelsea’s deficit.
Chelsea took the lead in the first half when Jackson confidently converted a superb cross from Gusto following a pair of earlier errors. A much-maligned striker scored his eleventh goal of the season, and Brentford’s defensive personnel shortage appeared costly. Their combative demeanor, characteristic for so long, abruptly contrasted with their subservient stance.
The outlook was altered at halftime. As Roerslev drilled in an equalizer following the pursuit of a stray ball, Disasi and Djordje Petrovic passively observed the deterioration. After Vitaly Janelt’s goal at the base of the post, the former Brentford were again in contention.
“It was phenomenal how we pummelling them in the second half,” Frank remarked. Today, I feel an immense sense of pride. This was an exemplary performance by Brentford. Our high-pressing unit ranks first in the division.”
