Hits and misses: Historic Brentford win; title rivals tune up

Historic win for Brentford shows what makes them special

The greatest day in Brentford's history? Possibly. The best performance of the season? It can't be far off.

But however you categorise Brentford's shocking, stunning 4-1 win at Chelsea there's no denying Thomas Frank and his players deserve huge credit for pulling off a result few would have thought possible.

Before kick-off, it seemed Brentford's Premier League survival was more likely to rest on a clash with Watford in a couple of weeks' time. Instead their first league win at west London rivals Chelsea in 83 years may just have secured their status in the top flight.

If so, it's an achievement which owes everything to the key ingredients which set this Brentford team apart.

First there is the manager, whose surprise switch to a back three caught out the world and European champions. His high-quality coaching has created a team able to mix a high press and a low block and frustrate their opponents with both.

Credit to these players, too: from the bravery to take the game to Chelsea early on, to the character to respond to Antonio Rudiger's stunner and push for more. As Frank says, this is a unique group.

And then there is Christian Eriksen, who has written another chapter in his wonderful comeback from the cardiac arrest he survived last summer. A first Premier League goal since 2019 was reward for another classy display in the middle of the park. He has inspired the players around him.

Capturing the enormity of Saturday's win isn't easy to do - but Brentford supporters will treasure an unforgettable day.Peter Smith

Thomas Tuchel was at a loss to explain Chelsea's 4-1 home defeat to Brentford.

Fatigue from the international break? A lack of preparation time?