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:
Chelsea vs Brentford live
- FULL TIME! Five in a row for Chelsea as they cut Liverpol’s lead
- 90’ GOAL! Mbeumo sets up a nervy finish at the Bridge [CHE 2-1 BRE]
- 81’ GOAL! Nicolas Jackso doubles Chelsea’s lead late on [CHE 2-0 BRE]
- 74’ SAVE! Sanchez tips over well from Norgaard’s effort [CHE 1-0 BRE]
- 60’ What a miss! Jackson somehow misses from six yards with Flekken outside his front post [CHE 1-0 BRE]
- 42’ GOAL! Cucurella sprints into the box and heads home Madueke’s delightful cross [CHE 1-0 BRE]
- REPORT: Marc Cucurella masters ‘three positions’ to inspire Chelsea's title charge
Chelsea FC 2 - 1 Brentford FC
Marc Cucurella masters ‘three positions’ to inspire Chelsea's title charge
22:26 , Jack RathbornA frantic London derby built on instinct and emotion naturally propelled Marc Cucurella into the spotlight again. Enzo Maresca refuses to acknowledge Chelsea as title contenders, but for large spells, amid such intensity from Thomas Frank’s excellent Brentford, they thrived and eventually held on for a precious victory, cutting the gap to leaders Liverpool to just two points, with the Reds holding a game in hand.
But the Spaniard was the protagonist once again here. He was immense and involved in everything the Blues did well, including a diving header to break the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. But just as memories fade from his farcical slips at Tottenham, this dynamic display was given a late blemish as Cucurella earned a red card after the final whistle following a needless scuffle with Kevin Schade, meaning he will now miss next week’s game against Everton.
But before the late drama, Cucurella delivered more evidence of how he’s completely transformed both his own game and helped the Blues quickly establish themselves as title contenders under Maresca, no matter the Italian’s reluctance to accept it.
Marc Cucurella masters ‘three positions’ to help Chelsea retain title charge
Enzo Maresca on what Chelsea lack to be title contenders
22:15 , Jack Rathborn“The goal we concede, it’s something we need to manage better, when the game is finished, we can manage in a different way, it’s experience for the players,” Maresca adds.
“You can talk about the title and the fans can dream about the title, absolutely, if you ask me I’ll tell you what I think and you think in a different way. For me we’re not ready, but we’re happy the fans can dream.”
Enzo Maresca on why Chelsea are not title contenders
22:00 , Jack Rathborn“I don’t think we’re ready to compete in the title, they know how to compete in the title, they won’t concede the goals we concede.
“I think they know how to win titles, that’s why they don’t concede, it’s one of the reasons why I say we’re not ready to win titles. If you don’t believe me, I told you, I’d like the pressure to compete.
“But we’re not ready, for many reasons, we cannot concede the goals we concede and open the game for them to take a point.”
Up next
21:50 , Chris WilsonChelsea’s next match comes at home to Shamrock Rovers this Thursday in the Conference League, before they face Everton away on 22 December – that’s a 2pm kick-off.
Brentford play Newcastle away in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, 18 December, before they host Nottingham Forest at the Gtech in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 21 December.
Chelsea beat Brentford and move to within two points of Premier League summit
21:36 , Chris WilsonChelsea moved to within two points of the Premier League summit as Marc Cucurella continued his remarkable ascent to score in a 2-1 win against Brentford at Stamford Bridge.
The defender was seemingly a symbol of Chelsea’s botched recruitment for much of his first two seasons after moving from Brighton, but like his team-mates this season he has been rejuvenated as Enzo Marescawatched his side without question insert themselves into the title race.
The head coach has repeatedly insisted his young squad are not ready to challenge but this was their fifth league victory in a row and, despite Fabio Carvalho striking the bar at 1-0 after Cucurella’s opener and Bryan Mbeumo jangling nerves with a goal at the start of seven added minutes, it was as commanding a one-goal win as could be hoped for.
Chelsea beat Brentford and move to within two points of Premier League summit
Frank: “We played a very good game"
21:27 , Chris WilsonBrentford boss Thomas Frank says that his side “played a very good game here” and “were unlucky not to get a draw”.
“Some big chances we missed in the end.
“We managed for the 90 minutes to go toe to toe with Chelsea, especially in the second half. A draw would have been fair.
“Chelsea are a very good team, well coached, very good players. They spent a few quid on the squad. They’re playing with confidence. Credit to them for pushing us back in the first half.
“Second half we were more aggressive and played higher. You could see how much trouble we caused them by how much they celebrated 2-0 and at the time.
“They are right up there in the title race. They’re very good.
“It was a very competitive game with two teams who wanted to win. It can get heated.”
Caicedo: “We are happy"
21:20 , Chris WilsonMoises 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
21:10 , Chris WilsonSpeaking 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
21:07 , Chris WilsonThat 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
21:03 , Chris WilsonIt 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
21:02 , Chris Wilson
FT: Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
20:57 , Chris WilsonIt’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
20:56 , Chris Wilson98 mins
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
20:54 , Chris Wilson97 mins
Janelt is booked for dissent, and chelsea look like they’ve secured an important three points.
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
20:54 , Chris Wilson96 mins
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
20:53 , Chris Wilson94 mins
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.
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
20:50 , Chris Wilson92 mins
Chelsea break forward and Palmer almost manages to slip it though to Gusto, but the Frenchman doesn’t have the pace to capitalise. No matter though, as Caicedo wins a free-kick near the box.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
20:48 , Chris Wilson90 mins
GOAL! Out of nothing, Brentford have a lifeline.
It comes from a Chelsea throw in the opposition half too, as Caicedo is dispossessed before the pass is slipped into the path of Bryan Mbeumo. He’s one-on-one and he surges towards goal before slipping a composed finish past Sanchez.
There’ll be seven minutes of time added on here!
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
20:46 , Chris Wilson89 mins
This match is just petering out at the moment, with Chelsea approaching another deserved home win.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
20:44 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Palmer swings in a good cross to the near post from a free-kick, and Tosin meets it with a good header, but it flies wide.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
20:42 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Half a chance for Brentford as Janelt’s ball in misses it’s target but runs into the path of Mbeumo. Once again though, it’s good play from Sanchez to close the angle and get to the ball first.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
20:42 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Jackson is replaced by Nkunku, and his work is done after a mixed day.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
20:41 , Jack Rathborn at Stamford BridgeJackson's finish gives Chelsea the cushion and boy did they need it. The Bees could and should have been level, from a narrow escape due to offside as Wissa went clear, to Norgaard’s volley while unmarked in the box, Carvalho then clattered the bar. But that breakaway counter thanks to Fernandez was always likely as Frank's side got a little greedy in search of the equaliser. Jackson given a standing ovation as Nkunku is sent on. And the tension inside the ground escapes just like that.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
20:39 , Chris Wilson81 mins
GOAL! The hosts have surely wrapped it up!
Right after wasting a chance, it’s great work from Jackson as he latches onto a through ball from Fernandez near halfway. He drives towards goal, stands up the defender and rifles in an effort at the near post for 2-0!
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:37 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Brentford have more life in them now, though a chance is wasted as Lewis-Potter sees his effort from range deflected into the gloves of Sanchez.
Chelsea go down the other end and Palmer slips a great ball to Jackson, who is 1-v-1 with Flekken, but he can’t get the ball out from under his feet.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:36 , Chris Wilson77 mins
OFF THE BAR! The subs almost pay off immediately as Brentford come forward, working it to Carvalho, who fires against the underside of the crossbar before Schade loops the rebound over with an acrobatic effort.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:34 , Chris Wilson76 mins
Brentford make some changes as Carvalho, Ajer and Schade come on for Yarmoliuk, Roerslev and Wissa.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:33 , Chris Wilson75 mins
SAVE! Another good save, this one at the other end, as Jackson surges towards goal before curling an effort towards the near post. Flekken gets across well to make the save, but the referee doesn’t see it and the goal kick is given.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:32 , Chris Wilson74 mins
SAVE! Brentford’s corner sees plenty of pinball in the box before Collins hooks it back into the box over his head. It falls to an unmarked Norgaard, who side-foots a volley goalwards, but Sanchez is there to tip over at full-stretch.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:30 , Chris Wilson72 mins
Brentford are enjoying a little more possession here, though it still isn’t clicking in attack. Lewis-Potter gets forward down the left and wins a corner as his cross is deflected behind.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:29 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Half a chance for Brentford but the flag goes up for offside.
Norgaard clips a ball over the top of the defence and Wissa just about manages to bring it down, but Sanchez saves well after racing off his line.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:26 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Palmer’s first-time cross falls at the feet of Madueke just a few yards out, but his shot is blocked. The hosts come again, but Colwill’s ball sails over the bar.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:24 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Chelsea launch a counter after the restart, but Madueke is wasteful as he hits a tame effort from distance right at Flekken.
Moments later, a dangerous Chelsea attack comes as Jackson lays it off to Palmer, who slips in a perfect through ball to Sancho. He takes it past the onrushing Flekken, but the angle is too tight for the shot and his cross is eventually dealt with.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:22 , Chris Wilson64 mins
Brentford get forward but Gusto does well to deal with the cross in towards Janelt (who has just come on for Damsgaard). The Frenchman then stays down, and there’s a brief break in play.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:19 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Flekken was down after that Jackson chance, so he’s been treated but is okay to carry on. The away side are preparing some changes.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:18 , Chris Wilson60 mins
WHAT A MISS! How has this not gone in?
Palmer finds Sancho on the wing and the former United man beats the defender before cutting it back from the byline. It’s beaten Flekken and it comes to Jackson, who simply has to tap into an open net, but he fires it over the bar!
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:17 , Chris Wilson59 mins
A decent chance for the hosts as Palmer’s clever lay-off comes to Fernandez, whose goal-bound shot is blocked before Jackson is flagged offside.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:16 , Chris Wilson58 mins
A rare foray forward for the visitors, and they get the men up the pitch, but Wissa’s cross is straight to Sanchez. Moments later, Mbeumo does the exact same thing from a similar position.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:15 , Chris Wilson57 mins
From the corner, Flekken just about clears the ball from his area, but Chelsea win it back immediately before Palmer is just unable to reach a ball into the box.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:13 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Gusto’s ball to the back post is a good one, but Sancho can’t quite hook it back to a teammate. On the other wing, Madueke gets past Lewis-Potter but Pinnock does well to put it behind while avoiding putting it into his own net.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:11 , Chris Wilson53 mins
Wissa wins a free-kick off Cucurella and this could be a chance for Brentford to deliver a cross into the box. Mbeumo clips it in, but Sanchez collects easily.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:09 , Chris Wilson51 mins
A few cheap losses of possession for Brentford leaves Chelsea enjoying more possession. Palmer goes down on the edge of the area, but the challenge is waved away before Sanchez does well to come off his line and beat Mbeumo to the long ball forward.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:06 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Great play from Sanchez to come out, collect the free-kick and start the counter, and Cucurella wins a corner. Chelsea work a couple of chances, with Madueke’s shot being blocked before he’s dispossessed by a great challenge from Collins.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:03 , Chris Wilson46 mins
Chelsea start the second half quickly, but Gusto fires a cross straight out for a goal kick.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
20:02 , Chris WilsonThe home side get the second half underway at Stamford Bridge.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
19:52 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
19:47 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the half to an end and the hosts have the lead after a pretty dominant performance so far.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
19:47 , Jack Rathborn at Stamford BridgeBrentford were so drilled but a little drop in intensity and Chelsea pounced. Cucurella outstanding throughout this half and thriving in about three different positions. Under Maresca, this goal is made possible, the sprint into the box and the calm finish with the header. A crucial first goal in a gripping game like this, it sets up the second half beautifully with the Bees forced to commit more going forward.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
19:46 , Chris Wilson45 mins
There’ll be just one minute of added time here. Palmer tries the effort from outside the box, before Jackson tries the wonder goal with an acrobatic effort from just outside the box.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
19:42 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Chelsea win a cheap free-kick on the touchline but Palmer’s ball in can only find Tosin, who is offside.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
19:40 , Chris Wilson39 mins
CLOSE! A poor pass from Flekken goes straight to Madueke. He surges towards goal and finds space for the shot, with a low effort forcing a good save from the ‘keeper.
From the corner, Fernandez finds Palmer in space, but the ‘keeper puts his corner behind.
37 mins
Brentford have settled a little bit but they’re still struggling at times, especially in attack, and they just needed good work from Pinnock to prevent a dangerous cross. Once they do get forward, the flag goes up against Lewis-Potter. Cheap.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
19:32 , Chris Wilson31 mins
It’s Chelsea probing once again, with Madueke winning yet another corner after some good work to squeeze the cross in.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
19:20 , Chris Wilson20 mins
Brentford get forward after Fernandez loses the ball, and Wissa wins a corner off Tosin. The ball comes in to the front post, but Palmer clears before Sanchez collects Damsgaard’s follow-up cross.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
19:06 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Both sides are enjoying small spells of possession, though it’s the home side who are looking more comfortable in the opening stages.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
19:03 , Chris Wilson3 mins
CLOSE! An early chance for the hosts as Gusto delivers a great cross and Jackson, who’d got in-between the two centre-backs, glances a header narrowly wide.
