Chelsea moved two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after defeating Brentford 2-1 on Sunday evening.
Premier League
Result: Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
Date: 15 December 2024
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Chelsea were without the suspended Pedro Neto, as Noni Madueke was recalled alongside Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo as three changes from the win over Tottenham Hotspur.The Blues were quick off the blocks as Nicolas Jackson came close to give them an early lead with a powerful volley at the near post that was bravely parried away by goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
After a strong start, Enzo Maresca's charges could not continue their dominance towards the half-hour mark, as they were well contained by Brentford.
Chelsea, however, regained their momentum towards the half-hour break and just before the interval, Marc Cucurella broke the deadlock with a glancing header in the box from a cross by Madueke.
Chelsea took time to get going in the second stanza but Jackson had a big chance around the hour-mark after he received a pass unmarked in the box but he miscued his shot wide.
The Bees were fighting back in the closing stages and with 15 minutes to go, Fabio Carvalho was unfortunate not to make it 1-1 after his strike crashed against the crossbar.
As Brentford sent numbers going forward, Chelsea capitalized on a transition a moment later after Jackson doubled their lead with a strike at the near post following a through ball by Enzo Fernandez.
Jackson showed signs of tiredness and he was eventually withdrawn as Christopher Nkunku entered the fray.
The Blues were threatening to make it 3-0 in the dying minutes as Adarabioyo came close with a powerful header from a set-piece that flashed just wide.
The game was back on the edge in the last minute after Bryan Mbeumo pulled a goal back for the visitors with a strike from a one-on-one after he raced clear on goal.
The Blues defended resolutely in the end as the win moved them up to within two points of leaders Liverpool, in second spot on the table although The Reds have a game in hand.
