Chelsea’s top four charge halted following goalless draw with resilient Brentford

Chelsea had to settle for a point on the road against a resilient Brentford side, putting strain on their chances of finishing in the top four.

The Blues couldn’t break the Brentford door down despite enjoying 59% possession and totalling 21 shots including three big chances that went astray.

Cole Palmer was left on the bench to start as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, coming on after an hour but failing to land a blow.

Chelsea are now winless in their last eight Premier League away games and if Manchester City beat Manchester United later this evening, they’ll have to forfeit fourth place.

The last time Chelsea earned three points away from home was early December’s 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur, spanning almost four months without joy.

Brentford recorded their first home clean sheet of the season and goalkeeper Mark Flekken made six stops on the day, who leads the league in saves per game and total saves.

The Bees remain alongside Leicester City on the second-longest home winless run across the league at eight games with only the relegated Southampton ahead at ten.

WATCH: Brentford 0-0 Chelsea Highlights

Chelsea now look ahead to a Europa Conference League quarter-final tie with Legia Warsaw and according to the best football betting sites, Enzo Maresca’s side are 1/2 for European glory.

City have moved ahead in the odds for a top four finish but if United can get a result at Old Trafford on Sunday, it would greatly enhance Chelsea’s hopes.

Chelsea have sacked four managers since 2021 and plenty of ers are calling for the board to act on Maresca’s position – but the club’s European hopes look a saving grace.

Brentford are enjoying life in mid-table, currently sat in 12th and five points clear of Spurs in 13th. Thomas Frank’s men have a difficult run to close the campaign with Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and United to follow.