LONDON: Chelsea are now just two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after goals from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson gave them a 2-1 win over Brentford.
It was the fifth consecutive victory for Enzo Maresca’s squad in the league.
Chelsea pressed Brentford from the start, with 15 attempts in the first half, but only Cucurella’s 43rd-minute header beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken. It was the Spanish centre-back’s first league goal for Chelsea.
However, Cucurella’s glorious night ended with a red card when he received a second yellow card for a foul on Kevin Schade late in the game.
10 minutes from time, Jackson added his ninth Premier League goal of the season after receiving a pass from Enzo Fernandez.
According to Jackson, the players followed the plan set by the manager.
“We did that. It was harder at the end because they wanted to score again,” Jackson said.
Jackson’s goal saved Chelsea after Brentford finally found the target in the last minute through Bryan Mbeumo.
“Our second half was amazing, and I think we were unlucky not to capitalise on it,” said Brentford manager Thomas Frank.
Meanwhile, Maresca maintains his stance that Chelsea are not yet ready to compete for the league title this season due to more experienced rivals.
“No matter how many games we win, I don’t think we’re ready. They won’t concede goals like we did.
“One of the reasons is because I think the competition is the way to win the title. We can’t concede like that and give the opponent a chance.
“Fans can put that dream into practice, but for me we’re not ready yet,” Maresca said.