Brentford vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction tonight
The Blues consolidated their place at the top of the table as the high-flying Bees came close to pulling off another shock
Chelsea held off a late onslaught from Brentford to achieve a narrow away victory on Saturday and consolidate their place at the top of the Premier League table.
Thomas Tuchel’s side had emerged as early frontrunners for the title, with confidence clearly flowing after their Champions League triumph in the spring, but they recently suffered back-to-back defeats against top teams in Man City and Juventus to somewhat lose momentum. The Blues have now responded with two straight wins, however, this victory over a spirited Brentford outfit earning Chelsea three invaluable points.
Left-back Ben Chilwell, making just his second league start of the season, fired the visitors ahead on the cusp of half-time, blasting a superb half-volley past David Raya for his third goal in as many games for club and country. Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was equally important here, however, making a string of superb saves late in the game to help his side survive the swarming Bees. The best of the lot was a stop with his face to deny Pontus Jansson, though the Senegal international then also crucially tipped over a Christian Norgaard overhead kick from close range to secure the win.
Follow all the fallout from the top-flight meeting:
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
60 mins: Brentford have stepped a couple of yards further up the pitch allowing them to put increased pressure on the Chelsea backline. Chalobah and Sarr, so good thus far, suddenly seem hurried and under pressure. It’s been a good response from the Bees who are sensing a way back into this game.
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
57 mins: Brentford’s corner comes swinging into the box. Loftus-Cheek heads it out but the ball is delivered back into the box. Canos collects it on the left side and looks to flick it over to Toney but Lukaku is back there and heads the ball clear.
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
54 mins: The noise level rises as Toney and Chalobah get into a tussle. The Brentford fans go nuts as Toney wins a free kick just inside Chelsea’s half. They’re encouraging their team on.
Mbeumo sends the free kick over to the right side of the box where Pinnock wins a corner. Good period for the Bees this.
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
51 mins: Chelsea aren’t toying with Brentford but they’re passing the ball around with such confidence and ease it’s a joy to watch. The goal taken all the pressure off them and they just need to be sharp enough to cut out Brentford’s counter-attack.
Whenever Toney or Mbeumo have been given the ball though, Chalobah and Sarr are on top of them immediately to close off the attack. It’s impressive from Chelsea.
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
48 mins: Werner wins Chelsea’s first corner of the second half. Chilwell delivers it into the box but Toney heads the ball out of the box. It drop to Kante who lays the ball off to Kovacic. Kovacic goes for goal but leans back on the shot and spoons it high and wide.
Second half: Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
Kick off: Brentford kick off the second half. No changes from either team. Chelsea win the ball quickly and knock it around their defence trying to draw Brentford away from their solid defensive shape.
Earlier today Jamie Vardy stunned Manchester United as Leicester snatched win in six-goal thriller
Dirty sheets, divine goals, utter chaos and the death of an English league record unbeaten away run.
Leicester swatted Manchester United 4-2 at King Power Stadium in a spectacle that was, well, pure Barclays.
Mason Greenwood and Youri Tielemans decorated it with the kind of strikes that demand Goal of the Season accolades.
Jamie Vardy stuns Man United as Leicester snatch win in six-goal thriller
Leicester 4-2 Manchester United: The defeat ends United’s 29-game unbeaten away record
Chilwell in fine form
Ben Chilwell has scored in each of his last three Premier League games for Chelsea, as many as he had in his previous 33 appearances in the competition combined.
Half-time: Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
45+3 mins: Chelsea defend a Brentford free kick and go into the break with the advantage. Ben Chilwell’s strike separates the teams at half-time to cap off a controlled first half performance from Chelsea.
Brentford will feel a touch unlucky as they’ve played well but take nothing away from Chilwell’s finish. It was glorious.
GOAL! Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea (Chilwell, 45’)⚽️
45 mins: Right on the stroke of half-time! Azpilicueta flicks a cross into the box from the right wing. Lukaku and Jansson both attempt to win the aerial ball with Lukaku taking the upper hand. He shoots and the ball hits Jansson before rebounding to Chilwell. Chilwell smokes it from just inside the area and smashes the ball into the back of the net! Fantastic strike.
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