MARC CUCURELLA and Nicolas Jackson scored as Chelsea won a FIFTH straight game to close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
Cucurella – who slipped over twice last week to concede two goals against Tottenham – responded in the best way possible with a superb leaping header, before Jackson fired home a powerful effort after a lovely Enzo Fernandez pass.
Bryan Mbuemo scored a late goal to give Brentford hope but Chelsea held on for a win that leaves the Blues two points off Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
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That’s all from Stamford Bridge
A Sunday that was more of a stretch than super ends with a victory for those in blue.
And after Brighton were beaten by Crystal Palace, and Manchester City somehow slipped up against Manchester United, it was Chelsea’s turn to come out on top in a rivalry of their own against West London neighbours Brentford.
With Liverpool and Arsenal dropping points yesterday. it’s Enzo Maresca’s team that are the big winners this weekend, and who now lie just two points behind the Premier League leaders.
With Christmas around the corner, the heat is about to be turned up at the top, and the Blues will fancy their chances of silverware in 2025.
On this form, who would write them off?
Goodnight.
Chelsea not ready for title tilt
Chelsea are just two points off leaders Liverpool following a fourth win in succession – but Enzo Maresca believes his side are not ready to challenge for the top prize.
It’s not about how many games we win. It’s about being realistic. There are things we have to do better. That’s why I said for me we are not ready.
Enzo Maresca
Maresca: We controlled the game
Enzo Maresca was not concerned by the chaos of stoppage time in which his Chelsea side came under immense pressure.
Instead, the Italian boss preferred to look at the bigger picture, and a game that his side dominated for large periods.
We were in control of the game except for the last 10 minutes when we concede. It’s normal. We created chances and we could have scored more. We deserved to win the game.”
Enzo Maresca
Moises looks to Kante for inspiration
Moises Caicedo put in another eye-catching shift in the heart of the Chelsea midfield – and then revealed afterwards that he hopes to idolise another Blues great.
The Ecuadorian admitted life is good at Stamford Bridge right now, but he wants to keep working in the style of N’Golo Kante to ensure this current form persists.
We are happy. This feeling is so good for us, but we’ll keep working to keep up and I’ll try to do my best. N’Golo Kante is my idol, he was a very big player.
Moises Caicedo
New Blues taste the difference
This season, Chelsea have earned 15 points more (34) than they did from the same corresponding 16 fixtures last term (19).
It is the biggest such difference among Premier League side this campaign.
Frank: We deserved a draw
Brentford boss Thomas Frank insisted his side deserved at least a point despite being dominated for large periods at Stamford Bridge.
The Bees missed some good opportunities in the second half with the game at 1-0, especially when Robert Sanchez saved from Christian Norgaard and when Fabio Carvalho hit the crossbar.
But the Danish coach also admitted that Chelsea are an impressive outfit that are very much in the Premier League title race.
We played a very good game here and were unlucky not to get a draw. Some big chances we missed in the end. We managed for the 90 minutes to go toe-to-toe with Chelsea, especially in the second half. A draw would have been fair. They are right up there in the title race. They’re very good.
Thomas Frank
Chelsea’s Jack in the box
This evening’s encounter at the Bridge was Nicolas Jackson’s 50th Premier League appearance for Chelsea so what better way to mark it than with the winning goal.
Jackson’s thumping strike to make it 2-0 made it 12 goal involvements in his last 14 games (nine goals and three assists).
From Andy Dillon at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea got three points but Brentford got their revenge on artful Marc Cucurella.
The Spanish left-back put Chelsea ahead but with his team clinging on at the death resorted to dreadful playacting to thwart Brentford.
At the final whistle he was confronted by Bees’ sub Kevin Schade and in the ruck picked up his second yellow card of the match meaning he will now be banned for next Sunday’s trip to Everton.
Just desserts.
Match stats from Stamford Bridge
Since the start of May, Chelsea have scored more goals (51), won more games (15) and earned more points (49) in the Premier League than any other side.
Full time – Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
The final whistle goes and Enzo Maresca screams to the heavens in delight before shaking the hand of Thomas Frank.
The nature is less good-willed on the pitch, however, and following a set-to with Kevin Schade, Marc Cucurella is shown a second yellow card and then a red by Peter Bankes.
It’s a disappointing end to the evening for the Spaniard, who had earlier scored his first Premier League goal for the club with a terrific header.
Nicolas Jackson doubled Chelsea’s lead in the second half, but the Blues were then made to sweat in a game they dominated by Bryan Mbeumo’s late strike.
Maresca’s men held on, and are now just two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
90+6. Chelsea are keeping the ball upfield now. They’re almost there.
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
90+4. Cucurella goes into the book for a lunge on Carvalho, and you get the impression the Spaniard is going through his little book of dark arts to see this one out.
Seconds later, he’s involved in a clash with Collins that earns Chelsea a free-kick they scarcely deserve.
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
90+2. The game has entered seven minutes of stoppage time, and the atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge has changed markedly.
It’s the travelling fans making all the noise, and the Bees have new hope – and a corner.
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
90. Brentford haven’t given up yet!
In the final seconds of the 90, the Bees have a goal back, one beautifully tucked away by Bryan Mbeumo.
Moises Caicedo is caught out high up the pitch, and the visitors quickly transition downfield.
Kevin Schade’s pass through the middle is perfect, and the manner in which Mbeumo skips away from Marc Cucurella is sublime.
Faced only by Robert Sanchez, the Cameroonian keeps his cool and buries beyond the goalkeeper before retrieving the ball to race back to halfway.
They couldn’t, could they?
Late hope!
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
87. Caicedo and Madueke are the latest to go close.
In fact, with the former trying his luck, it’s now only Colwill from those that started the game not to register a shot for the Blues.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
85. Both sides are seeing the game out now, and would be happy for the final whistle.
Tosin fancies this period as his chance to shine though, and steers a diving header wide of goal.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
82. Nicolas Jackson takes his leave after scoring the goal that sees off the Brentford fightback.
Christopher Nkunku is on in the striker’s place for the final eight minutes.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
80. Nicolas Jackson makes it two and Chelsea have the points in the bag!
This is more like it from the Blues too, who win it back deep in their own half thanks to Moises Caicedo.
The former Brighton man moves it on to midfield partner Enzo Fernandez, who sends a raking pass upfield for Jackson to chase.
Fronting up to Ethan Pinnock, there’s only one thing in the striker’s mind as he drops a shoulder and slams low beyond Mark Flekken.
Signed and sealed!
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
77. Carvalho equalises! No, it’s off the woodwork!
A flying move from the Bees down the right sees one sub in Ajer centre a low cross to another, Carvalho, to thump across the underside of the crossbar from five yards out.
So, so close to an equaliser.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
75. With 15 minutes left on the clock, Nicolas Jackson nearly seals it for the hosts but his long range thumper travels agonisingly wide.
Meanwhile, Fabio Carvalho, Kristoffer Ajer and Kevin Schade are on for Yoane Wissa, Mads Roerslev and Yehor Yarmoliuk.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
73. An incredible save from Sanchez to deny Norgaard!
The corner from the right has Chelsea all in a panic, and after the ball had bounced messily around the 18-yard box, it fell invitingly at the right foot of the Brentford captain.
The sidefooted volley looks destined for the back of the net until the home keeper soars through the air and tips over.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
71. Do Brentford believe?
Lewis-Potter makes inroads on the left and wins a corner off Fernandez right in front of their travelling fans.
The supporters roar encouragement, and the players are moving with an extra spring in their step.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
69. Into the final quarter of the match, and it’s around the time that – while it remains 1-0 – you begin to wonder if Chelsea will rue the opportunities they have passed up.
And right on cue, Wissa goes through on goal, only to be denied by Sanchez – and then the offside flag.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
