KEITH EYES CAPITAL GAINS

THERE is nothing new about Brentford losing a London derby on the road, but the feeling of just being a plucky bus stop in Hounslow appears to be a thing of the past.

- BY STEVE JUDGE

Former boss Thomas Frank talked about his side gaining respect after a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last season.

But even after suffering their 12th defeat in 16 capital away games, Keith Andrews has the 2025-26 Bees believing they can match the big boys.

So they should after dominating for long spells at Chelsea, with Mathias Jensen and Kevin Schade missing huge chances either side of halftime. It was a performance which had fans believing, “We're all going on a European tour”, despite goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer handing them a first defeat in six games to drop them from fifth to seventh.

Andrews (left, with Chelsea ace Palmer) said: “I don't think there's a ceiling for this group of players.

“The fans should be excited. The levels of performance, and the journey the team is on, is exciting.

“The fans being engaged like they are, and that connection that they have with our players, it's special.

“But they'll be disappointed we didn't get something from the game because we certainly are.”