Keith Andrews singled out Fabio Carvalho for special praise after the attacking midfielder scored late in Brentford’s 3-0 victory against Chelsea on Friday night.
Carvalho entered the game in the 86th minute and finished Kevin Schade’s cross at the back post in stoppage time. It was his second goal in two matches since returning from a 318-day ACL injury. He had also scored against Reading in the Carabao Cup three days earlier.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Andrews said: “The worst part of being a footballer is when you’re injured and he’s been unbelievable in his approach to it, in his professionalism, and he’s come back really seamlessly into the fold. He looks really sharp, really strong. To get that important goal tonight was nice for him and really special.”
Jaidon Anthony opened the scoring in the 61st minute with a header from a corner. Igor Thiago added the second in the 83rd minute after Schade’s shot was saved. Carvalho’s late strike completed the result and gave Brentford their first Premier League win over Chelsea.
The victory lifted Andrews’ side to third in the table and preserved their unbeaten start to the season. Brentford have now won six of their seven Premier League matches played on a Friday — the best points-per-game record on that day of the week in Premier League history for any club with at least three such fixtures.
Chelsea remain without a win in three consecutive league games under Xabi Alonso and failed to score for the first time under the Spanish coach. The visitors have already conceded 12 goals this season.
Carvalho’s return continues a carefully managed recovery after he was ruled out for the rest of last season with the ACL injury. His two goals in consecutive matches mark a strong first step back into the first-team picture at Brentford.
Andrews’ side will look to protect their Champions League qualification position when Premier League action resumes. Chelsea face Bournemouth on 10 October after the international break.
Fabio Carvalho scored his second goal in two games since returning from a 318-day ACL injury.
Keith Andrews: “He looks really sharp, really strong.”
Brentford climb to third after first Premier League win over Chelsea.
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