(Football news) Chelsea’s winning start under Graham Potter’s management came to an end when Brentford held them to a goalless draw at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Blues had won three consecutive games before Potter revisited his former side but the hosts put on an extremely impressive display with Chelsea being fortunate to have secured a point from this fixture. Kepa Arrizabalaga was in fine form, making three fantastic saves to deny Brentford a victory.

Chelsea put on a much improved performance towards the end of the game with substitute Carney Chukwuemeka forcing David Raya into a fine save but they struggled to create many clear cut opportunities despite Raheem Sterling and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang being brought on. Graham Potter made five changes with Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho and Kalidou Koulibaly coming into the side while Mathias Jorgensen and Mads Roerslev started for Brentford at the expense of Kristoffer Ajer and Yoane Wissa.

Speaking after the match, Brentford boss Thomas Frank said “I'm very proud of my team. I just simply love the attitude, work ethic and intensity. I thought we were brave, cool and aggressive throughout the game. The lads are disappointed we didn't win. Eighteen months ago, on almost the same night we were promoted, they won the Champions League final. It wasn't an OK performance where maybe we could've sneaked a late goal. No, we fully deserved it. 

"It was unbelievably impressive what we produced. I'm very pleased with my team, and disappointed we didn't win. We knew they could change different formations and build it up in different ways – we looked to close down every aspect and we're working on how we can press teams. This game was more difficult as I told the players they would have to make changes throughout the match. In this game, I felt it was generally 3-4-3 throughout the match but they changed personnel. I thought we handled it well."

Chelsea coach Graham Potter said “I think over the course of the game a point was fair. They had chances, we had chances. We pushed and pushed at the end. We probably looked more likely at the end to score, but at the same time, over the course of the game, a point was about right. They make it very difficult for you to control. They do what they do really well, use the front two, set pieces, long balls into the box. But I have full respect for them and how they do that. The positives are a clean sheet and a point. That's four points from two away matches, which is positive. When we did control it, we did it well. It's a point and we have to move on." 

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