Edouard Mendy masterclass sees Tuchel’s men somehow cling on following a second half grilling from the Bees after Chilwell’s stunner broke the deadlock just before half-time.
As Mendy defied Brentford, at times single-handedly, during an incredible Chelsea rearguard action that left Thomas Frank in disbelief, it was hard to argue with the view he deserved more recognition -with a place on the Ballon d’Or prestigious list to go. with his award for being the best keeper in last season’s Champions League.
Instead, after leading the Chelsea second-half resistance in the face of intense pressure, Mendy had to settle for man-of-the-match honors and the gratitude of everyone connected with the Blues.
Manager Thomas Tuchel said: ‘He was absolutely decisive to escape with a clean sheet. He was very strong, throughout the whole match.’
But Tuchel, not one for individual awards, added: ‘It’s more important he performs like this than he is on any list. I hope it does not bother him because it does not bother me too much. It seems like he is not influenced from that, which is a good thing.’
It was going to take something special to overshadow the continuation of match-winner Ben Chilwell’s remarkable scoring form – he struck for the third game in a row for club and country to send Chelsea back top of the league – and Mendy’s late heroics were just that. .
He had an inspired final quarter of the game denying Ivan Toney, Saman Ghoddos and Pontus Jansson – with his face – before saving the very best for last: a stunning reaction stop to divert Christian Norgaard’s overhead kick onto the bar and over.
‘It was pretty much hell on earth the last 20 minutes,’ said Chilwell. ‘We have got Edou to thank, he’s amazing. He is getting the credit he deserves.’
It was no surprise, with his side having laid siege to the Chelsea goal, that, after the final Mendy save, Frank turned to the crowd, arms spread and a look of bewilderment on his face as to how Brentford had not managed to equalize.