Thomas Frank says Brentford were ‘AVERAGE at best’ as Bees secure 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with hosts’ unbeaten run put to an end by Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo’s second-half strikes

• Thomas Frank said his sides first-half performance was ‘not up to level’
• Despite a goalless 45 minutes, Ethan Pinnock opened the scoring for the visitors
• Bryan Mbeumo secured the three points with a stoppage time run at open goal 

Brentford boss Thomas Frank said his side were ‘average at best’ in the first half against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 

The Bees secured a 2-0 win over Chelsea, ending the Blues unbeaten run of three matches. 

Having struggled to find their feet last season, new manager Mauricio Pochettino seemed to have found the groove with the former Champions League winners, though the Blues’ joy was put firmly to an end on Saturday.

The Blues have won just one of their last 13 Premier League outings at home and were stung by the Bees on their own turf for the third season running.

While Mauricio Pochettino’s men controlled the first half, Brentford came out fighting in the second and secured victory via goals from Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo

Chelsea struggled to breakdown a stubborn Brentford defence in Saturday’s derby 

Bees boss Frank Thomas has now guided his side to three consecutive wins at Stamford Bridge

Bryan Mbeumo continued his bright start to the season with a goal in the dying moments

Speaking at full-time, Frank did not hold back, admitting that his side were ‘average’ during their performance against Chelsea, praising ex-Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer. 

‘I was disappointed with our performance and the first thing I said to the players was, believe, you’re so much better than that. 

‘I think that was an average performance at best.’ He added. 

Chelsea struggled to make an impact past Brentford’s stubborn defence, though Thiago Silva and Palmer had opportunities to level for Chelsea before Brentford warned Chelsea twice more.

Firstly when they raced clear for a four versus one counter attack and Yehor Yarmolyuk was thwarted by Sanchez and then when Mbeumo side-footed Neal Maupay’s cross wide.

The third time there was no escape for Chelsea. They had everybody up for a late corner including goalkeeper Sanchez but Brentford cleared and Maupay streaked away, teeing up Mbeumo to score into an empty net.

After a goalless first half, it was Ethan Pinnock who found the net in the 58th minute when Bryan Mbeumo sent a high cross into the box with Pinnock on the end to nod home the goal. 

Taking the lead, it seemed as though the visitors would hold onto a 1-0 win, though it was in stoppage time that Mbeumo sealed the deal after breaking away to run in on an empty net.

The striker side footed the ball into an empty net after Robert Sanchez went up for a corner

Ethan Pinnock’s struck a header in the back post to give the Bees the lead before the hour mark

Brentford gained bragging rights in the west London derby with a 2-0 win over Chelsea 

Chelsea revival has been stalled as their poor form at Stamford Bridge this season continues

Speaking about the second-half, the Bees boss said his side were ‘really up to level’ against the west London hosts. 

‘I think we really up to level in the way we defended, coolest on the ball and quality on the ball.  

‘I think we kept Chelsea quiet. This is quite impressive with the offensive power they have.’ Frank said. 

He went on to praise Pochettino’s late summer signing, Cole Palmer: ‘Cole Palmer was excellent for them at times.

Frank added: ‘Sometimes it’s a coincidence that we’ve managed to win here three times. But it’s very impressive that we can do that being Brentford given the players and the budget Chelsea have.’

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