Brentford secured a 3-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea at the Gtech Community Stadium, a result that lifts them to third in the table. Goals from Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho in the second half sealed a convincing win and extended the Bees' unbeaten start to the season to five matches.
Jordan Henderson made his first Chelsea appearance in almost three months and was met with a hostile reception from the home supporters. The 36-year-old midfielder, whose last game was for England at the World Cup in June, was booed virtually every time he touched the ball. "Bees fans let their opinions be known of their former midfielder on his first return to the club," one observer said.
His Chelsea partner Valentin Barco also received a frosty welcome from Brentford fans, who have not forgiven him for an altercation with Jude Bellingham during England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. The summer signing from Brentford was a constant target for the crowd alongside Henderson.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was left searching for answers after his side conceded three times after halftime for their second loss in three league games. Brentford, meanwhile, continue their strong form with nine points from five matches and a goal difference of plus six. They face a trip to 19th-placed Aston Villa on 10 October, with several players including Mathias Jensen and Nathan Collins currently sidelined.
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Manager Keith Edwards said the victory was Brentford's first home win over Chelsea since 1938. The club confirmed Jannik Schuster assisted Jaidon Anthony's opening goal from a corner. Schuster told reporters, "I think when the second half began we played it more directly forward and we scored after that so I'm just happy." The win leaves Brentford third in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that new signings Jordan Henderson and Emiliano Martinez had an on-field disagreement after Brentford's opening goal in the 3-0 defeat. Alonso said the pair exchanged words following Jaidon Anthony's 61st-minute header from a Jannik Schuster corner. The result leaves Brentford third in the Premier League with nine points from five games, having scored 10 goals and conceded four.
