Brentford v Chelsea: Premier League – live
⚽ Premier League updates from the 8pm BST kick-off
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As Alonso departs, the Sky microphone is passed, relay-baton style, to Keith Andrews of Brentford, who is first asked about Mamadou Sangaré. “You’ve obviously done a bit of preparation ready for him starting! … he’s done brilliantly, settled in so well … it isn’t easy in this league … but [Yehor Yarmolyuk] has been excellent, [Vitaly Janelt] has been excellent, we’ve got other midfielders … I’ve no doubt Mamadou will feature heavily tonight … we’re in a decent rhythm … I’ve no doubt [Igor Thiago’s first Premier League goal of the season] is coming, hopefully it’s tonight.”
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso ambles out of the tunnel and has a pitchside word with Sky Sports. “We always try to assess the whole squad … we have a tough game for sure … the goal is always to have the most competitive team to play and I think we have one … we are prepared for tonight … we have not had enough continuity and stability in [central midfield] … having [Jordan Henderson] back is so important … he helps a lot of the players around … [defence] is fundamental … we need to improve in that part … to be solid … more efficient … that will come … still early days to work on some things … we are confident that we will get there.”
