Chelsea overcame a nervy finish to edge Brentford 2-1 on Sunday evening, tightening the gap to league leaders Liverpool to just two points, though the Reds still have a game in hand.
The Blues established a 2-0 lead despite missing several chances before Bryan Mbeumo’s 90th-minute goal set up a tense finale. The drama didn’t end there, as Marc Cucurella picked up a second yellow card after the final whistle for his reaction during a heated post-match exchange.
Match Highlights
The west London derby began sluggishly, with both sides struggling for rhythm. A comedic mix-up typified the early stages as Mads Roerslev and Marc Cucurella both accidentally fired passes into their own teammates.
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Chelsea’s first real chance came late in the first half, courtesy of a mistake from Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. His misplaced pass fell to Noni Madueke, but the Dutchman’s low shot rolled just wide.
The breakthrough arrived shortly before halftime when Cucurella headed home a precise cross from Madueke at the back post, timing his run perfectly between defenders Sepp van den Berg and Roerslev.
Chelsea dominated the second half, pressing Brentford deep into their defensive third. Nicolas Jackson squandered a golden chance to double the lead, blasting over the bar after Jadon Sancho’s brilliant solo effort created the opening.
Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, continued to threaten. He rounded Flekken after a slick through ball from Cole Palmer but was unable to provide the final touch needed to set up a teammate.
Brentford fought back, with substitutes Fabio Carvalho and Kevin Schade combining to hit the crossbar and miss a follow-up effort, respectively.
Jackson redeemed himself in the 80th minute, cutting inside Ethan Pinnock and firing low into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Mbeumo’s late goal, a composed finish into the far corner, added late tension but wasn’t enough to salvage a point for the visitors. Cucurella’s dismissal in the aftermath of the match could present a selection headache for Chelsea in the coming weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Chelsea’s Resilience: Despite their wastefulness in front of goal, the Blues held on for a crucial win in a tightly contested derby.
- Marc Cucurella’s Impact and Controversy: The full-back was instrumental in the victory but let emotions boil over after the final whistle, earning a suspension.
- Brentford’s Missed Opportunities: Thomas Frank’s substitutes injected energy into the side but lacked the finishing touch to capitalize on Chelsea’s inefficiencies.
Chelsea’s victory propels them closer to the top of the table, but the suspension of Cucurella and their continued struggles to finish chances remain concerns as the season progresses.