Chelsea secured a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge to give Liam Rosenior his first Premier League win as head coach and bring an end to their frustrating search for league poi...
Chelsea secured a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge to give Liam Rosenior his first Premier League win as head coach and bring an end to their frustrating search for league points.
It was not a performance of dominance or comfort, but it was one of resilience and efficiency from a side under pressure.
Goals from Joao Pedro in the first half and Cole Palmer from the penalty spot after the break proved decisive in a contest that swung repeatedly in Brentford’s favour.
The visitors arrived in strong form and played with confidence, enjoying more possession and registering more shots and efforts on target than their hosts.
Chelsea were forced to absorb pressure from the outset as Brentford started sharply, with Kevin Schade testing the defence early on.
Schade then passed up a clear chance to shoot when clean through, instead squaring for Mikkel Damsgaard, allowing Chelsea to scramble the danger away.
That moment proved costly as Chelsea took the lead soon after with their first sustained spell of attacking play.
Enzo Fernandez pressured Michael Kayode into a mistake on the edge of the box, and Joao Pedro reacted quickest to smash a powerful finish past Caoimhin Kelleher.
Brentford responded well and should have levelled before the interval, with Mathias Jensen striking the post and Damsgaard and Schade both going close.
Chelsea also missed a major opportunity at the other end when Alejandro Garnacho somehow failed to convert from close range with the goal gaping.
The second half followed a similar pattern as Brentford continued to push and Chelsea defended deep for long spells.
Robert Sanchez was required to produce an excellent save to deny Schade in a one-on-one as the pressure intensified.
Rosenior attempted to steady his side by introducing Andrey Santos in a more defensive reshuffle, though it only invited further Brentford attacks.
Igor Thiago then wasted a golden chance to equalise when he headed wide from close range, a miss that ultimately proved decisive.
Chelsea capitalised ruthlessly moments later when a loose back-pass from Nathan Collins allowed substitute Liam Delap to pounce before being fouled by Kelleher.
Palmer kept his composure to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot and effectively seal the contest.
Brentford pushed again late on but Aaron Hickey’s curling effort drifted wide as Chelsea held firm for a much-needed clean sheet.
The win lifts Chelsea above Brentford into sixth and eases some of the tension surrounding the club after a difficult run of results.
Category: General Sports
