Chelsea player ratings vs Brentford: Edouard Mendy inspired; Malang Sarr shines; Timo Werner frustration

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Chelsea leapfrogged Liverpool and went back top of the Premier League table after holding on to beat Brentford in a west London derby.

Ben Chilwell struck the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time, with the Bees applying relentless pressure after the interval.

However, Brentford found Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in remarkable form as Thomas Tuchel’s side ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

James Robson was at the Brentford Community Stadium and provides his player ratings...

Edouard Mendy 9

Vital saves denied Ivan Toney, Saman Ghoddos, Pontus Jansson and Christian Norgaard in the second half.

Also rode his luck with Bryan Mbeumo hitting the post twice and Trevoh Chalobah clearing off the line.

Trevoh Chalobah 8

Just looks totally at home whenever he gets the chance. In difficult circumstances he stood strong.

Lucky the offside flag went up as he brought down Toney in the area, but then produced a goal-line clearance to preserve Chelsea’s lead.

Andreas Christensen 7

The experienced head in a makeshift back three. Put under pressure as Brentford tried to load the ball into the area, but was generally in the right place at the right time.

Hugely impressive Premier League debut. Showed strength and composure under pressure.

A terrific recovery challenge on Mbeumo prevented the Brentford man from bursting through on goal.

Cesar Azpilicueta 6

His cross set up Chilwell’s strike. It was a much-needed piece of quality in the attacking third that Chelsea did not produce enough of.

N’Golo Kante 7

Looked back to his most influential with his tireless runs and vital ball wins. Also played a part in the build-up to Chilwell’s goal.

Mateo Kovacic 5

Energetic, but his passing let him down on occasion before being replaced in the second half.

Ben Chilwell 7

Moment of pure quality broke the deadlock – and how needed it was with Chelsea’s strikers misfiring. Three in three for club and country for him.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek 6

So composed on the ball. A measure of how his stock has risen that even when Mount was sent on, he was asked to switch position, with Kovacic the man to make way.

Romelu Lukaku 5

Worked hard, but the quality let him down. Over-hit too many crosses – but his knockdown for Werner in the first half deserved a better finish.

Came into the game with his confidence high, but this was another frustrating game for the German. He continues to be blighted by his decision-making.

Subs

Mason Mount (Kovacic, 65’) 5

Was intended to help Chelsea force Brentford back, but it did not work out like that. Spent most of his time defending.

Kai Havertz (Lukaku, 77’) 4

Barely saw the ball in the attacking areas.

Reece James (Azpilicueta 89’) N/A

A late introduction to try to stem the flow of Brentford’s dominance.

Subs not used: Kepa, Alonso, Barkley, Jorginho, Saul, Hudson-Odoi.

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