Carvalho’s Late Equaliser Denies Chelsea Top Spot in Dramatic West London Derby

Fabio Carvalho struck in stoppage time to earn Brentford a 2-2 draw against Chelsea, denying Enzo Maresca’s side top spot in the Premier League after they had come from behind to lead in the West London derby. 

Chelsea dominated the ball in the early stages but were undone by Brentford’s direct approach at the 35-minute mark. Jordan Henderson, making his 24th league appearance against the Blues, launched a pinpoint long pass for Kevin Schade who hit the back of the net.

This goal eased the frustration for the Brentford forward and restored some confidence in him after a penalty miss against Sunderland before the international break. This goal also extended Brentford’s remarkable record of never losing a Premier League game when Schade has scored (now 11 matches – nine wins and two draws). 

Enzo Fernández struck the post before the interval, summing up Chelsea’s frustration, but the visitors responded with greater purpose after half-time. Maresca made a triple substitution after the break, and the returning Cole Palmer provided the spark.

Having only resumed training on Thursday, he came back from injury and equalised in the 61st minute from João Pedro’s pass, immediately lifting Chelsea’s intensity. By the 75th minute, he had already registered the most shots in the match (four) – the epitome of an impact substitute. 

The Blues pressed and looked to have snatched the win when Alejandro Garnacho, making his Chelsea debut, crossed for Moisés Caicedo, who struck a thunderbolt into the goal in the 85th minute. 

Yet Brentford, missing the influential Mikkel Damsgaard through illness, found a way back. In stoppage time, Kristoffer Ajer’s long throw was flicked on and substitute Carvalho scored, sparking celebrations among the home crowd. 

The result means Chelsea remain unbeaten at the Gtech Community Stadium – Brentford have still never beaten them at home in the Premier League. For Maresca, Palmer’s return and Caicedo’s strike were clear positives, but conceding so late turned three points into one.