Maxime Colin believes his Brentford side were “really comfortable” in the opening stages at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea’s free kick opener, from a free kick, was the worst possible start.

Although Antonio Conte fielded an under strength side the Blues still fielded an array of attacking talent during the fourth-round FA Cup tie.

But Colin, who was charged with the task of protecting the Bees goal, said he felt organised and at ease in defence, but allowing Chelsea a set piece in an around their area, which Willian converted, changed the course of the game.

He said: “It really killed us at the beginning. We were in really good shape I felt everything was okay so to concede this goal at the beginning, and like you say a free-kick, so it was the best start for them and the worst start for us.

“We were really comfortable, they had the ball but without really creating anything or big chances so the shape was good.”

Despite coming out fighting in the second period, and possibly feeling aggrieved that they didn’t beat Asmir Begovic, the Frenchman said the overriding mood within the dressing room is not happy but they will look to take what positives they can into the coming week.

He continued: “We did some things good but we can’t be happy to lose 4-0 even if it is to Chelsea. We should do better even if it was tough, not everything was perfect but we will try to take the good things.”

Brentford now have two home games in the space of week as they host first Aston Villa and then league leaders Brighton.

Dean Smith will have to hope his side can rediscover their early season form and take what have been some major positives from recent displays against Newcastle United and in patches against Chelsea.