Cole Palmer was left on the bench for almost an hour as fourth-placed Chelsea’s winless run on the road continued with a 0-0 draw at Brentford.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca raised eyebrows by dropping England forward Palmer despite his side’s battle to qualify for the Champions League.
Chelsea have a UEFA Conference League quarter-final trip to Legia Warsaw on Thursday, but Maresca’s priorities were questioned following the Blues’ insipid display.
When Palmer was eventually introduced he was unable to help break the deadlock, firing his only opportunity over the crossbar.
With Brentford having forgotten how to win at home and Chelsea winless away in the league since December, it was little surprise that Maresca’s much-maligned cautious tactics failed to produce a victory.
Chelsea will be knocked out of fourth place if fifth-placed Manchester City win at Manchester United in Sunday’s late game.
The post Chelsea stumble in Champions League race after 0-0 draw away at Brentford appeared first on Vanguard News.
