The long-range throw that served as a last-ditch effort allowed Brentford to equalize, thwarting Chelsea’s anticipated victory after Enzo Maresca called upon his reinforcements.

Keith Andrews’ team crowded their opponent’s penalty area and launched the ball in. It was flicked forward, and standing unmarked at the back, with Alejandro Garnacho failing to cover him, was Fabio Carvalho. This completed the draw, which Brentford rightfully deserved.

Brentford performed admirably, initially taking the lead through Kevin Schade, following Jordan Henderson’s daring assist from his own half, all under the gaze of England manager Thomas Tuchel.

Palmer is undeniably a talented player, yet he had not scored from open play in the Premier League since the Bournemouth match on January 14. This marked his 18th appearance since then, spanning 1,582 minutes. Nevertheless, he was perfectly positioned when Reece James, another substitute, delivered a cross to him.

Then, in the 79th minute, Garnacho took to the field, and by the 85th minute, his cross led to Moises Caicedo’s 25-yard goal for Chelsea. They believed this would secure them the win, but Brentford responded with Carvalho’s late introduction in stoppage time.

The result wasn’t the ideal preparation for Chelsea, with their upcoming match against Bayern Munich in the Champions League in Germany. It’s anticipated that Maresca will deploy his top players from the start, rather than relying on bench substitutes.

With Palmer among the substitutes, Facundo Buonanotte started at No 10.

Surprising that he was selected, perhaps, given this was his first time appearing for Chelsea, but then Estevao Willian was at home unwell and Buonanotte impressed Maresca enough over the international break. That included in one behind-closed-doors friendly between the senior players who did not receive call-ups and the Under 21s in which we are told the 20-year-old loanee from Brighton scored a hat-trick.

Buonanotte linked up well with Joao Pedro for the game’s first chance, the latter firing into Nathan Collins. Brentford raced up the other end with Igor Thiago setting up Schade, who likewise saw his attempt blocked by Tosin Adarabioyo.

When Jamie Gittens was fouled by the left-hand side in the 12th minute, Tosin ran over for a chat with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez. Neto’s cross found Tosin, whose free header was straight at Caoimhin Kelleher. It turned out this was as close as Chelsea would come to scoring in the first half, and Tosin may even have been offside.

Brentford got the opening goal in the 35th minute when Henderson picked up possession in midfield, with Caicedo too late in trying to close him down. He launched the ball in behind Tosin who tried his best to get back into a position where he could thwart Schade.

Instead, Brentford’s striker scored through Tosin’s legs, beating Robert Sanchez.

Maresca, dressed casually on this occasion in skinny jeans and a pair of Air Jordans rather than his usual club-branded tracksuit, continued to show his frustration on the touchline. His team had been too casual also.

The visitors’ defending had been shambolic and at half-time, two of their back four was hooked, with James on for Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella replacing Jorrel Hato. Tyrique George, the academy boy whose deadline-day move to Fulham broke down at the eleventh hour, likewise came on for Buonanotte. Palmer soon followed for Gittens.

With the cavalry came the equaliser as Palmer beat Kelleher. After 74 minutes, Palmer should have made it 2-1 when Neto’s cutback found him perfectly. It was on a plate for the man who turned Chelsea into world champions, but he allowed Kelleher to deny him this time.

In the 85th minute, Caicedo struck from 25 yards after Garnacho’s helpful intervention. Less helpful was how he left Carvalho alone to level it up in stoppage time, however.