Chelsea win again to go two points behind Liverpool | OneFootball

Chelsea continued their Premier League resurgence under Enzo Maresca with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brentford at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

The Blues have recorded five consecutive league wins to move within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The opening goal was a rare header from Marc Cucurella, who converted Noni Madueke’s precise cross after Chelsea dominated much of the first half.

Brentford did have their moments, with Christian Norgaard and Fabio Carvalho testing Robert Sanchez. Bryan Mbeumo’s effort early in the second half also rattled the crossbar.

Nicolas Jackson should have doubled Chelsea’s advantage on the hour mark but ballooned an effort over from close range.

The Senegalese forward made amends in the 80th minute, slotting home after Ethan Pinnock was caught out during a swift Chelsea counter-attack.

Brentford pulled one back through Mbeumo, who raced onto a through ball before coolly finishing past Sanchez in the 90th minute.

That gave the Bees hope for an equaliser in stoppage time, but Chelsea held firm to secure the points.

Tempers spilt over at the end when Cucurella got a red card following an exchange of words, but Chelsea had already wrapped up the three points to underline their title credentials.

The Blues have accumulated more wins (15) and goals (51) than any other team since May, signalling their rapid improvement.

However, defensive lapses remain a concern, with Brentford generating 1.6 expected goals (xG) from several missed opportunities.

Chelsea face Everton next, and a win would take them to the top of the table, cranking up the pressure on Liverpool.