Chelsea cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to just two points as goals from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson secured a west London derby victory over Brentford.
Capitalising on Liverpool’s draw at home to Fulham – as well as more dropped points for Arsenal and Manchester City – Enzo Maresca’s side won a fifth Premier League game in row to continue their excellent form.
And they did not even need Cole Palmer’s inspiration as Cucurella opened the scoring shortly before half time, meeting Noni Madueke’s cross.
Brentford had their moments – including Fabio Carvalho hitting the crossbar – and Chelsea’s win did not feel secure until late on when Jackson raced through to score his ninth Premier League goal of the season.
Bryan Mbeumo pulled one back for the visitors late on – but it could not stop Chelsea becoming the first Premier League team to win five games in a row this season.
Follow all of the latest from Stamford Bridge, plus updates from Southampton vs Tottenham, in our live blog below:
Caicedo: “We are happy”
Moises Caicedo told the media that his teammates “are happy” after a big win.
“This feeling is so good for us. We’ll keep working to keep up.
“We are enjoying it. We’re doing fantastic. N’Golo Kante is my idol. I try to help the team. He’s a very big player. I try my best.
“The sky’s the limit. We will keep working hard. Keep winning, keep the momentum.”
FT: Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
Speaking right after the game, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson said it was a “very big win”.
“Not an easy game. They’re a difficult side to play against. It was difficult because they always play set-pieces. But we won. I’m very happy.
“Listen to the manager, respect the plan and we did that. It was more difficult at the end because they wanted to score again.
“We’re getting to know each other better. Last year is finished, now we’re concentrating on this year.
“I missed that one but I was thinking I’ll get another one and try to score to help the team win. I did exactly that.
“It’s all about getting more experience. I’m getting more confident.
“We’re just trying to win every game and focus on the next one. I don’t look at the table.”
FT: Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
That results keeps Chelsea in outright second place on 34 points, two behind Liverpool (who have a game in hand). The Blues could go top if they beat Everton next week, as they play before Arne Slot’s side.
Brentford are in 11th, on 23 points, level with Newcastle and Spurs but behind the latter on goal difference.
FT: Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
It seems as though Cucurella’s second yellow came for a shove on Brentford’s Kevin Schade. The Spaniard will miss the next match, as the club can’t appeal the decision.
It does look sort of needless, but so is the decision from the referee.
FT: Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
FT: Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
It’s Marc Cucurella who was shown the red card – a second yellow for something, but I’m not sure what exactly yet.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
FULL-TIME! Peter Bankes blows the final whistle and Chelsea have cut the lead at the top of the table to just two points!
There’s a scuffle in the centre-circle and there’s been a red card shown to someone – more on that as it comes in.
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
Janelt is booked for dissent, and chelsea look like they’ve secured an important three points.
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
A waste for Brentford as Cucurella is brought down and wins a free-kick while defending the ball in. That could be that for the hosts!
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
Caicedo brings Collins down near halfway and Brentford will have a chance to put the ball in the box late on. It looks like Flekken will deliver…
Cucurella deals with the first and second ball, before Sancho takes the ball upfield. However, moments later the Spaniard is booked for flying in on Carvalho.