Alejandro Garnacho’s Chelsea debut ended in frustration as the ex-Manchester United winger was blamed for Brentford’s late equaliser in a 2-2 draw, with Jamie Redknapp accusing him of “falling asleep” at a crucial defensive moment.
Alejandro Garnacho’s Chelsea career got off to a rocky start as the Argentine was criticised for his role in Brentford’s dramatic late equaliser during Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Enzo Maresca’s side looked set to leapfrog Arsenal and climb to the top of the table after Moises Caicedo’s 85th-minute strike, but Fabio Carvalho’s stoppage-time leveller denied them victory — with Garnacho singled out as the culprit.
Garnacho’s lapse proves costly
Brought on as a second-half substitute, Garnacho injected attacking energy and even played a role in creating Caicedo’s goal. But his defensive responsibilities proved costly in the dying moments. Tasked with marking Carvalho during a long throw-in, the winger lost concentration, allowing the Brentford midfielder to sneak in at the back post and snatch a point.
Jamie Redknapp’s verdict
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp did not hold back in his criticism.
“Garnacho has got a job to do. He’s got to mark Carvalho. That’s your job, simple as that. Don’t lose him,” Redknapp explained. “Everybody is trying to win that first contact, Brentford have some big guys. But Garnacho just falls asleep at the vital moment. The ball comes in, he’s not concentrating, and Carvalho is there at the back post.”
Chelsea denied top spot
The draw leaves Chelsea just shy of the Premier League summit, with Arsenal holding on to top spot. The Blues will now need to regroup quickly as their schedule intensifies.
What’s next for Chelsea?
Maresca’s men face a daunting trip to Germany on Wednesday to take on Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener, before returning to domestic action with a clash against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge next weekend.
