Chelsea inched closer to Premier League leaders Liverpool after a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Brentford at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca’s side is now just two points behind Liverpool, who hold a game in hand, but this latest triumph—a seventh consecutive win across all competitions—cements Chelsea’s credentials as serious title challengers this season. The Blues took the lead in the first half through a well-taken header by Marc Cucurella. The Spanish left-back found the net for the first time since May 2022, converting Noni Madueke’s precise cross from the right flank. However, the joy of his goal was overshadowed by a second yellow card issued to him after the final whistle, following an altercation with Brentford’s Kevin Schade.
Chelsea sealed the game late on, with Nicolas Jackson showcasing his pace and precision. The Senegalese striker latched onto an incisive pass from Enzo Fernandez, firing a low shot into the bottom corner past Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Jackson’s strike was vital as Brentford had threatened to find an equaliser late in the game. The visitors had their chances, most notably when Christian Norgaard forced a brilliant save from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, and Fabio Carvalho struck the crossbar from close range. Brentford did manage to pull one back through Bryan Mbeumo, whose composed finish past Sanchez marked his 10th league goal of the season. Despite a nervy conclusion to the match, Chelsea held firm to claim all three points and keep their momentum alive.
Jackson Delivers When It Matters
Chelsea’s preparation for the match was complicated by their midweek UEFA Conference League fixture in Kazakhstan, but Maresca’s ability to rotate his squad meant only Tosin Adarabioyo featured in both matches. With a fresh lineup featuring more familiar faces, Chelsea took the game to Brentford, dominating the opening exchanges.
The hosts fired 15 shots on goal in the first half, with Nicolas Jackson proving to be a constant threat. The striker’s left-footed volley was superbly saved by Flekken, while his teammates, including Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke, also tested the Brentford goalkeeperThe pattern continued into the second half, as Jackson saw another chance go begging before forcing another fine save from Flekken. The forward seemed determined to beat the Brentford keeper, recording seven attempts—matching the highest tally for a Chelsea player in a Premier League match this season.
Jackson’s persistence finally paid off in the closing stages, as he raced onto Fernandez’s perfectly weighted pass and slotted the ball clinically into the bottom corner. It was his ninth goal of the campaign, highlighting the striker’s growing influence and improving efficiency in front of goal. Brentford, who had won at Stamford Bridge in the previous three seasons, posed their own threats but were ultimately undone by Chelsea’s dominance and Jackson’s decisive contribution. For Maresca, this was another statement victory that keeps Chelsea firmly in the title race.
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