Brentford0 - 0Chelsea

City can move into fourth place with a win over Manchester United later this afternoon, as the visitors were left to rue wasted chances against their London rivals.

After a dull first half, the game opened up in the second half, as Chelsea's best chance came when Reece James saw a header saved well by Mark Flekken.

Despite the visitors dominating possession, Brentford had a flurry of chances towards the end of the game, with Bryan Mbeumo being denied by Robert Sanchez, before Sepp van den Berg and Yoane Wissa also went close to stealing a win for the Bees.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Enzo Maresca opted not to start Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Marc Cucurella for this clash, which showed during a disappointing first half for the Blues.

Given that Palmer and Jackson have only recently returned from injury, this may well have been a precautionary measure from the Chelsea boss - or it may have been a sign of how seriously Chelsea are taking the Conference League this year, depending on whether the pair start against Legia Warsaw on Thursday evening.

The Blues looked far more lively with the introduction of the likes of Jackson, Palmer and Pedro Neto in the second half, but it was Brentford that had the better chances in the end.

Overall, both sides lacked quality in finishing, and perhaps a goalless draw was the right outcome, though it may end up costing Chelsea in their bid for Champions League football next season.

BRENTFORD VS. CHELSEA HIGHLIGHTS

63rd min: Reece James (Chelsea) chance

This game is finally beginning to open up a bit - the visitors almost get themselves ahead, as James comes close to heading Chelsea in front, but Flekken makes a good save to prevent that from happening.

80th min: Yoane Wissa (Brentford) chance

A few chances here for Brentford, as Mbeumo, van den Berg and now Wissa have gone close to giving the Bees the lead, but try as they may, it just does not go in for the hosts.

MAN OF THE MATCH - BRYAN MBEUMO

Nobody was particularly outstanding this afternoon in truth, but Mbeumo was a threat for the hosts throughout the match, and he could have won it, had Sanchez not made a fine save to deny him late on.

BRENTFORD VS. CHELSEA MATCH STATS

Possession: Brentford 41%-59% Chelsea

Shots: Brentford 9-21 Chelsea

Shots on target: Brentford 2-5 Chelsea

Corners: Brentford 3-6 Chelsea

Fouls: Brentford 12-12 Chelsea

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Brentford have another London derby next weekend, as they travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal next Saturday.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are in European action on Thursday evening, as they travel to Poland to take on Legia Warsaw in the Conference League for the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

Written by

Tom Humphrey