Stung at the death: Carvalho’s last-gasp strike denies Chelsea victory

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Chelsea were left frustrated on Saturday after a stoppage-time strike from Fábio Carvalho earned Brentford a 2-2 draw in a dramatic Premier League encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Blues came into the match hoping to build momentum after a mixed start to the season, but it was Brentford who struck first.

Kevin Schade punished slack defending midway through the first half, latching onto a swift counterattack to fire past Djordje Petrovic.

Chelsea struggled for rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, their possession blunted by Brentford’s compact shape and physical pressing.

After the break, Enzo Maresca’s men found a foothold. England international Cole Palmer pulled them level with a composed finish, restoring confidence and sparking life into Chelsea’s attack.

The turnaround seemed complete when Moisés Caicedo unleashed a thunderous long-range strike, his effort flying into the top corner to make it 2-1. For Chelsea, it looked like a statement victory was within reach.

But Brentford, under new boss Keith Andrews, refused to fold. Urged on by a boisterous home crowd, they continued to press in the final minutes. Deep into stoppage time, a long throw caused panic in the Chelsea box. The ball broke kindly to Carvalho, who reacted quickest to smash home and seal an unlikely draw.

Chelsea’s bench and travelling supporters were left stunned, with Maresca visibly exasperated at his side’s inability to close out the contest. While Palmer and Caicedo provided attacking quality, defensive lapses once again proved costly.

For Brentford, the late leveller was a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit. Henderson’s leadership in midfield and Schade’s sharpness in attack were key, while Carvalho’s last-gasp strike ensured the Bees salvaged something from a game that looked lost.

The draw leaves Chelsea reflecting on another missed opportunity to climb the table. Despite moments of brilliance, inconsistency continues to plague their performances.