Chelsea denied late, Carvalho’s 94th-minute goal cancels out Palmer and Caicedo’s return

Chelsea were seconds away from going top of the Premier League, but a stoppage-time equalizer from Fábio Carvalho earned Brentford a 2-2 draw in a tense London derby.

The Blues had turned the game around thanks to goals from Cole Palmer, making his return from injury, and a thunderous strike from Moisés Caicedo. But the late setback leaves Enzo Maresca’s side fifth, just one point behind Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Bournemouth.

Schade Strikes First as Blues Struggle Early

Chelsea lacked fluency in the opening half, with Brentford looking more dangerous on transitions. Kevin Schade gave the hosts the lead in the 35th minute, latching onto a long ball from Jordan Henderson before slotting past Robert Sánchez.

The Blues came closest to leveling just before the break, when Enzo Fernández nearly scored directly from a corner, but his attempt hit the post.

Palmer Sparks Chelsea Revival

Maresca’s triple substitution at halftime—introducing Cucurella, Tyrique George, and Reece James—brought more energy, but the real turning point came in the 56th minute with the introduction of Cole Palmer.

Just five minutes later, the England international struck. Enzo Fernández delivered a cross, João Pedro flicked it on, and Palmer finished clinically with his left foot to make it 1-1.

Sánchez was then called into action to deny Schade a second goal, before Kelleher produced a superb stop to keep Palmer from scoring again at the other end.

Garnacho Debuts, Caicedo Delivers Thunderbolt

The big moment for Chelsea fans came in the 79th minute when Alejandro Garnacho made his debut after signing from Manchester United. The winger was involved immediately, delivering the cross that led to Caicedo’s stunning strike in the 85th minute, a rocket from the edge of the box to put Chelsea 2-1 up.

It was the Ecuadorian’s first goal for the club, momentarily lifting Chelsea to the top of the Premier League table.

Carvalho Breaks Chelsea Hearts in Stoppage Time

Robert Sánchez appeared to have redeemed himself with two crucial saves late on, but Brentford kept pressing. In the 94th minute, Kevin Schade launched a long throw-in, Kristoffer Ajer flicked it on, and Fábio Carvalho pounced to rescue a point for the Bees.

The late equalizer leaves Chelsea on eight points, still unbeaten but ruing a missed chance to take first place.