The incident, occurring just five minutes into the match, has added fuel to the ongoing debate about Nkunku’s role at Chelsea and his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, especially as the 27-year-old Frenchman continues to struggle for consistency in the 2024-25 season.
The moment unfolded when Chelsea, pushing for an early lead, carved open Brentford’s defense with a slick move down the left flank. Pedro Neto, operating as a makeshift forward, delivered a pinpoint low cross into the box, finding Nkunku unmarked just six yards out with only the goalkeeper to beat.
With the Brentford defense caught flat-footed and no one in front of him, the stage was set for Nkunku to open the scoring.
However, in a moment that left fans and pundits stunned, Nkunku misjudged his shot, swinging his foot and striking nothing but air, allowing Brentford to clear the danger.
The miss was particularly glaring given the simplicity of the chance—a close-range shot that most top-tier forwards would be expected to convert with ease.
Fans on X were quick to voice their frustration, with the incident trending under hashtags like #BRECHE and #CFC. One user lamented, “Nkunku with a golden opportunity here!! Ball at his feet, no one in front of him.
All he has to do is shoot… He kicks air. Sigh.” Another fan expressed deeper discontent, stating, “If Nkunku was just giving effort we would have had a legit chance at goal there… Quit loafing around all the damn time to get off the pitch.”
The criticism reflects a growing impatience among Chelsea supporters, who have seen Nkunku struggle to replicate the form that made him a star at RB Leipzig, where he scored 20 league goals in the 2021-22 season.
Nkunku’s miss comes at a time when his role at Chelsea is already under scrutiny. Signed for £52 million in June 2023, the forward has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent playing time, often relegated to a peripheral role under manager Enzo Maresca.
Despite Nicolas Jackson’s absence due to a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined until late April, Nkunku has failed to seize his opportunities.
This season, he has managed just two Premier League goals, with his most recent strike coming against Southampton on February 25, as reported by The Guardian.
His overall tally across all competitions stands at five goals, including a strong showing in the UEFA Conference League, where he is joint-top scorer with five goals, according to UEFA.com.
However, his inability to deliver in the Premier League—evidenced by zero shots in 180 minutes against Brighton earlier this year, as noted by Yahoo Sports—has raised questions about his suitability for the English game.
The miss against Brentford also reignited discussions about Nkunku’s potential departure from Stamford Bridge. Reports from GIVEMESPORT on March 21 indicated that Nkunku is increasingly likely to leave Chelsea in the summer, with both the player and the club doubting whether he can find an ideal role in the current setup.
Bayern Munich, who previously showed interest in January with a €77 million price tag on the table, remain keen, according to Bavarian Football Works.
Former Chelsea striker Loic Remy, speaking to Plejmo.com on February 14, suggested that Nkunku would be better off seeking a fresh start elsewhere, citing his injury struggles and lack of regular starts as barriers to success.
Chelsea’s broader struggles this season add context to the fans’ frustration. Despite a strong start that saw them return to the top four after a 4-0 win over Southampton in February, the Blues have been inconsistent, with Maresca’s tactical experiments—like using Nkunku as a wide player rather than his natural central role—drawing criticism.
The Brentford match, which ended in a 1-1 draw after a late equalizer from Cole Palmer, highlighted Chelsea’s ongoing issues with finishing, a problem that Nkunku’s miss epitomized.
As the summer transfer window looms, Nkunku’s future—and Chelsea’s attacking strategy—remains a hot topic, with fans and analysts alike wondering if the Frenchman can rediscover his Leipzig form or if his time in the Premier League is nearing an end.
