Chelsea continued their fine form in the Premier League, edging Brentford 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to secure a fourth consecutive league win under Enzo Maresca. The victory moved the Blues within two points of league leaders Liverpool, setting up a tantalizing title race.
Eager to stop a run of three consecutive home defeats against the Bees, Chelsea dominated the early proceedings. Nicolas Jackson had headed close, Cole Palmer forced Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken into action, but the visitors almost opened the scoring with Levi Colwill’s crucial block denying Mikkel Damsgaard.
That was the reward for Chelsea’s perseverance as, just before half-time, Cucurella met a pinpoint cross from Noni Madueke with a diving header to score his first Premier League goal for the Blues.
The hosts stayed in control after the break but wasted a gilt-edged opportunity to make it two as Jackson sliced wide from six yards. Brentford pressed for a leveller, Robert Sánchez making an amazing save to thwart Christian Nørgaard and Fábio Carvalho rattling the bar.
Chelsea sealed the win through Jackson, who redeemed himself with a composed finish on a counterattack. Bryan Mbuemo’s late goal offered Brentford a consolation as their winless away run extended to eight matches. Chelsea now eye the summit with Everton next in line.
