Chelsea beat Brentford 2–0 in Premier League encounter
Chelsea secured a 2–0 home victory over Brentford to hand head coach Liam Rosenior his first Premier League win, despite being outplayed for long periods at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer proved decisive as Chelsea moved above their west London rivals into sixth place on the table, although the scoreline flattered the hosts after Brentford dominated possession and fashioned the clearer chances.
Brentford started on the front foot, with Kevin Schade testing Chelsea early before opting to pass to Mikkel Damsgaard when a shooting chance presented itself. The visitors’ energetic opening unsettled Chelsea, who struggled to control midfield proceedings.
Chelsea’s response was composed rather than convincing. Palmer fired a curling effort over the bar, while Joao Pedro had a penalty appeal turned down, before the Brazilian opened the scoring in the 26th minute. Enzo Fernandez pressed high to force an error from Michael Kayode, allowing Joao Pedro to pounce and drive a powerful finish past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Brentford responded strongly. Damsgaard, Schade and Mathias Jensen all threatened, with Jensen striking the post. At the other end, Alejandro Garnacho missed a clear opportunity from close range when well positioned.
The visitors continued to apply pressure after the break, with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez producing an excellent one-on-one save to deny Schade. Rosenior attempted to shore up his side by replacing Garnacho with Andrey Santos, but the change invited further Brentford pressure.
Igor Thiago, who has been in prolific form this season, squandered a gilt-edged chance when he headed wide from close range.
Chelsea made Brentford pay moments later. A loose pass from Nathan Collins and hesitation from Kelleher allowed substitute Liam Delap to dart into the area, where he was brought down by the goalkeeper, leading to Chelsea’s second goal and sealing the win.
