London, Sep 18 (V7N)- Brentford stunned Chelsea with a 3-0 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday, handing the Blues another setback and extending their winless Premier League run to three matches.

The defeat also highlighted Chelsea's defensive problems, with the London club having conceded 12 goals in their opening five league matches. Chelsea remain on seven points, while Brentford climbed to third with nine points and extended their unbeaten start to the season.

Chelsea started brightly and created the better opportunities during the opening half. Pedro Neto forced an excellent save from Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher in the ninth minute, while Morgan Rogers also saw a goal-bound effort blocked.

However, Brentford became increasingly dangerous after the break and took the lead in the 61st minute. Mikkel Damsgaard delivered a corner that Jannik Schuster headed back across the goal, allowing Jaidon Anthony to score from close range.

Chelsea attempted to respond and increased the pressure, but Brentford defended resolutely and remained dangerous on the counterattack. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 83rd minute when Kevin Schade broke through the Chelsea defense.

Schade's initial effort was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but Igor Thiago reacted quickly to convert the rebound and make it 2-0.

Brentford completed the rout in stoppage time. Schade's low cross was deflected into the path of substitute Fábio Carvalho, who finished from close range in the 94th minute.

The victory marked Brentford's first home win over Chelsea since 1938 and extended their unbeaten Premier League run at the Gtech Community Stadium to eight matches. It also gave Keith Andrews' side their best-ever five-game start in the Premier League, with nine points from their opening five fixtures.

For Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, the result underscored continuing defensive and consistency problems. Chelsea have now gone three league matches without a victory and have failed to keep a clean sheet in 21 consecutive Premier League games.

Brentford's disciplined display, meanwhile, has raised expectations around a possible push for European qualification, although the season remains at an early stage.

END/SMA/AJ