Chelsea set unwanted Premier League record in Brentford defeat

Chelsea set an unwanted Premier League record as they succumbed to a surprise 4-1 defeat at home to Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

Looking to strengthen their hold of third position, the Blues appeared well on course for victory when a long-range Antonio Rudiger strike put them ahead shortly after half time.

However, Brentford were 3-1 in front by the hour mark, a double from Vitaly Janelt sandwiched between a Christian Eriksen goal, before Yoane Wissa netted a late fourth.

After the game, Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel claimed that 'no-one could have predicted his team's collapse', and statistically, the German had a point.

1 - Yesterday against Brentford, Chelsea became the first side in Premier League history to score the opening goal of a match in the second half but then go on to lose by a margin of 3+ goals. Stunned. pic.twitter.com/iZcMAuTlNd

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 3, 2022

Coincidentally, Chelsea suffered a similar collapse almost a year ago to the day, taking the lead against West Bromwich Albion before losing by a 5-2 scoreline.

On that occasion, which also came immediately after an international break, four of the Baggies' goals came between the 45th and 68th minute.