Kepa positioning
The Spanish goalkeeper matched his imperious performance against Aston Villa with more impressive saves. Twice he showed impressive reactions in the opening half to ensure Ivan Toney couldn't put the ball in the Chelsea net as the Bees pushed on, and he was secure in the second period as the Blues exerted greater control.
The 28-year-old is bringing more to his game than quality shot-stopping however and was noticably positioned high up the pitch when Chelsea were in possession of the ball. Kepa played a sweeping role of sorts, and even when nearer his own net was quick to come from his line to help stifle opposition attacks.
READ MORE: Every word Graham Potter said on Conor Gallagher issue, 'exciting' Chukwuemeka and Chelsea draw
Rotation restricted
Conor Gallagher became the third Chelsea star in as many midweeks to head off the pitch prematurely. The Cohbam product followed in the footsteps of Reece James and Wesley Fofana in being added to the Blues injury list as Potter sees his options in the centre of the field begin to dwindle. Hopefully, Potter's post-match assessment proves true after the Chelsea boss revealed that it was illness that saw the midfielder substituted. Nevertheless, the issue highlighted an important point.
With N'Golo Kante out for four months, Ruben Loftus-Cheek being utilised at right wing-back, the Blues were robbed of their opportunity to rest Mateo Kovacic for any significant period. Depending on Gallagher's prognosis, Jorginho, Kovacic and Loftus-Cheek may have to do even more heavy lifting than expected or liked. It was perhaps telling that Kovacic was introduced in west London rather than Denis Zakaria who is still waiting for his first minutes at Chelsea.
Chelsea will have to suffer
It was not easy opening to the game for Chelsea supporters to watch. Brentford dominated proceedings and tested the Blues' ability to defend their own goal in a manner not too dissimilar than when they faced Aston Villa at the weekend.
Potter's side were able to exert more control as the game went on and by the end of 90 minutes had the Bees penned into their own area while the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Carney Chukwuemeka, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic looked to earn a late winner. It was not a vintage performance however, nor one that the Blues derserved to win, but one in which they needed to battle.
“I think it’s a collective desire to do the ugly stuff in the game." Potter reflected after Aston Villa. "A collective idea to help each other and to be together. If we have to suffer, we will suffer. We have humility and we know sometimes the opponent can get the better of us, that is normal in football. But you can see the players running and can see players getting bodies in the way to block shots. That is an important part of the game because we’ve got the quality in the group."
Chelsea's back three in paticular showed their ability to battle as Brentford pushed on. Cesar Azpilicueta put in a solid outing, while Trevoh Chalobah battled with Ivan Toney and Kalidou Koulibaly put himself in position time and again to make a timely clearnace or to make his tackle. With the leader of the defence, Thiago Silva, sat on the bench, the Chelsea trio built their performance through hard work and off the better because of it.
Armando Broja grind
Many will focus on the young striker's inability to find Mason Mount with a square pass, there was plenty to be positive about Broja's performance. During his hour on the pitch, he showed he could offer something different to Aubameayng or Kai Havertz.
In addition to his ability to run in behind, Broja showed confidence on the ball and the ability to hassle and harry the opposition as appeared to have an edge of Brentford's Ben Mee. It was not a perfect outing but a very decent effort on his full debut.
While the 21-year-old was replaced early in the second period, it felt like the Albania international may have had more to offer should Chelsea utlise him in the right way. Potter suggested was the plan was to play Broja for 60 minutes but noted he had hoped his side could use the space behind Brentford.
He said: "You saw two or three actions in the first half, which were what he's about. He can attack space where if there's a big space behind, he can give you that possibility. Brentford presses high, and they leave space behind, so Armando, we felt we could use him, and we did it two or three times, but we probably wanted to do it more than we did."
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