Jamie Redknapp has pointed the finger at one Chelsea player after their 2-2 draw with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Chelsea looked set to climb to the top of the Premier League when Moises Caicedo fired them ahead late on. But Brentford struck back in the dying moments through Fabio Carvalho, ensuring the Blues had to settle for just a point.
The equaliser wasn’t without controversy, as ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg claimed it should have been chalked off for offside. He explained:
“Dango Ouattara is in an offside position when the ball is flicked on after the throw-in. Even though he doesn’t touch the ball, he clearly moves towards it and interferes with a defender’s ability to play the ball therefore he is interfering with play, that’s offside.”
Despite those protests, the goal stood — and Redknapp was quick to single out Alejandro Garnacho as the man responsible for the lapse.
According to Footballfancast, citing Sky Sports, he said:
“Garnacho has got a job to do. He’s got to mark Carvalho. If he gets in behind, it’s on you. He falls asleep at the vital moment, they get that contact, and there he is at the back post.”
The 21-year-old winger had only just come off the bench for his Chelsea debut, but endured a frustrating cameo. He managed only six touches of the ball and completed two passes, while also losing his marker for the crucial Brentford equaliser.
Still, given his £40m move from Manchester United and strong track record for goals and assists, there’s optimism he will grow into his role at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s draw was a setback after a promising start, but they remain unbeaten in their opening four league fixtures. Their next test comes against Manchester United next weekend, as they look to return to winning ways.