Image source, Reuters

As Brentford show some adventure, they are almost punished again on the counter attack. Chelsea swarm forward against the Bees, who need Bryan Mbeumo to recuse the situation with some impressive tracking back.

For the first time in a good while Brentford enjoy a spell of possession. Respite for the visitors for now, at least.

Mark Warburton
Former Brentford boss on BBC Radio 5 Live

Chelsea dominating play, Palmer is the key to everything they have done so far. Bringing in Sterling and Jackson. Really dictating the tempo and creating opportunities.

I think that looks like a penalty to me, the push on Sterling. Brentford got away with one there.

Oooh. Raheem Sterling tumbles in the box and claims Mads Roerslev was culpable for him going over.

Looks a soft one to me. Ref Simon Hooper agrees and play continues without intervention from VAR.

Image source, Getty Images

Another half chance for Chelsea as Raheem Sterling's cross is hacked clear.

They are huffing and puffing but can't blow down the Brentford door.

Brentford should list their half of the pitch on Airbnb. Chelsea have decided to stay there.

The home side have not moved out of Bees' territory in the past five minutes.

Copy and paste. Chelsea should be ahead.

Raheem Sterling has a golden chance from close range, he's unmarked with the goal at his mercy, but lashes over the bar.

The home side have been very good. Done everything but score. And that's the name of the game...

Chelsea should be ahead.

Cole Palmer shows superb vision to clip a ball over the Brentford defence and pick out full-back Marc Cucurella in the Brentford area.

What's he doing there? Not sure entirely, but it is a brilliant run.

The finish doesn't match it, though, and Brentford survive.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea set up camp in the Brentford half, pushing and probing as they look for an opening.

Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer both try to find space just outside the Bees area - but there isn't any.

Brentford are tight and compact.

Chris Hargreaves
Former Brentford midfielder

This game is already end to end, both teams are countering very well. Brentford are happy to sit back in but they need to concentrate as Chelsea look up for this one.

Sure Gareth Southgate will be keeping close tabs on Cole Palmer. The Chelsea youngster was very decent against Arsenal last week, too.

Today he is playing a little deeper, with Nicolas Jackson leading the line, but able to use his creativity from that position.

Image source, Reuters

Matty AFC: Fair play to Cole Palmer. He could have stuck at City, been a bit part player, and picked up some easy trophies. Instead, he's becoming a really important regular for Chelsea, and he looks like he wants to control games. Great mindset tbf.

As you would expect, Chelsea are dominating possession having had 65% of the ball.

But their sharpness in countering when Brentford do have a go has been particular eye-catching.

Mark Warburton
Former Brentford boss on BBC Radio 5 Live

I'm surprised at how open this game is, both teams counter attacking at will.

The coaches will be annoyed at it being so open given it is a derby game. But as a spectator is is entertaining to watch.

Thomas Frank will not like this, particularly the ease at which Chelsea are countering from every Brentford set piece. The gaps from front to back are unusually large. They are looking slightly vulnerable.

Chelsea fancy this one today. The Blues are out of the blocks sharply, piling on the pressure again as Brentford battle to protect their goal.

Noni Madueke now pops up in the middle and sees a shot blocked by a defender, then Conor Gallagher draws a save out of Bees keeper Mark Flekken.

From coast to coast in the blink of an eye... Chelsea surge forward again, this time down the right.

Noni Madueke, who has had limited game time so far this season, twists and turns before unleashing a left-foot shot which hammers against the Brentford crossbar.

A nice flow to this one.

Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo asks questions of Robert Sanchez - who was less than convincing last week - with a shot from the right at the near post.

The Chelsea keeper did just about enough.

It's been quite the turnaround for Conor Gallagher. From being tipped to captaining Chelsea.

The England international has already been busy in the Blues midfield, pressing quickly and trying to lead his side by example.

Image source, Reuters

Another quick Chelsea break ends in Nicolas Jackson bending a shot wide after cutting in from the left.

When the Blues move the ball quickly from back to front they are causing issues for the visitors.

Mark Warburton
Former Brentford boss on BBC Radio 5 Live

The days of 'little old Brentford' are long gone. The expectations are higher at the club, the level of game and quality they show consistently has people believing of bigger things.

This league is such that they have a big game here today and then suddenly they are facing the likes of West Ham et al and you are looking at the bottom half of the table.

The manager has a real belief in the players, they have a good quality squad and are in a good place right now.