Liam Rosenior won his first Premier League game as a manager as Chelsea beat Brentford 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, but that doesn’t tell the story of the game.
WATCH — Watch full replay
Brentford spurned glorious chances throughout as Robert Sanchez was also forced into making great saves, but Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead in the first half and Cole Palmer’s second half penalty kick calmed things down. Eventually.
MORE — Liam Rosenior reaction
With the win Chelsea move on to 34 points and gained some ground on Liverpool, and others, ahead of them as they move above Brentford who are on 33 points.
Sloppy Chelsea get lucky
This was a game Chelsea could have easily lost, easily, but somehow they recorded a shutout win. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. Of course, Chelsea are a very good team full of very good players. But they looked sluggish against Brentford. Joao Pedro’s opener was a fine finish but the ball deflected to him in fortuitous fashion. Chelsea were also lucky Kelleher took a loose touch and gave them a penalty kick and Palmer sealed the win. But thanks to some poor finishing from Brentford, some good last-ditch defending and saves from Robert Sanchez, Rosenior tasted victory in his first game as a Premier League manager. Don’t let the result fool you: this was far from pretty as Brentford got in-behind way too easily and Chelsea must address that if they want to win trophies and finish in the top four this season. There is a lot of work for Rosenior to do, but perhaps having luck on his side is a good omen for the rebuild ahead?
What’s next?
Chelsea host Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday before they head to Crystal Palace in the Premier League next Sunday. Brentford head to Nottingham Forest next Sunday.
Chelsea vs Brentford score: 2-0
Joao Pedro 26', Palmer 76'
Chelsea vs Brentford live updates!
Delap wins a penalty just after coming on... and Palmer scores!
Liam Delap is on and right away he wins a penalty kick. He closes down Kelleher, who takes a loose touch, and the Brentford goalkeeper brings down Delap as he slides in. Cole Palmer steps up and sends Kelleher the wrong way.
Thiago heads just wide
Brentford are appealing for a penalty kick as the ball comes in to the box. Igor Thiago powers a header across goal but just wide of the far post. No penalty. It’s all Brentford.
Double sub for Chelsea
Andrey Santos and Wesley Fofana on for Tosin and Garnacho. Looks like Palmer is going out to the right.
Fine save from Sanchez to deny Schade!
Kevin Schade is in but Reece James does just enough to put him off as he shoots, but Robert Sanchez still has to make a fine save to deny him. Brentford waste yet another huge chance!
Yarmoliuk has to shoot earlier
Brentford do really well again to create the chance but Yarmoliuk decides to cut back on his right foot and the effort is blocked. Once again Brentford don’t make the most of a big chance.
Garnacho goes close to making it 2-0!
Neto does so well as he crosses to the back post, but somehow Garnacho puts his shot wide of the post. Kayode probably did just enough to put him off, but that should have been 2-0 to Chelsea.
Jensen hits the post!
Damsgaard flicks it on and Jensen volleys the ball beautifully, but he just cuts across it too much and the ball clips the outside of the far post. Brentford have created some big chances and Jensen is popping up everywhere.
Joao Pedro has the ball in the net, and after a VAR check it stands!
Kayode’s clearance deflects off Fernandez straight to Joao Pedro and he fires home impressively. The offside flag is up but it looks like he could be on. VAR is checking... and he’s on! Goal stands. Chelsea lead.
Brentford should be ahead!
A huge chance for Brentford early on as Schade is free in the box but decides to pass rather than shoot. Massive opportunity comes and goes for the Bees.
Kelleher denies Garnacho
Big mistakes from Collins and Garnacho is in but Kelleher does well to deny him. Collins owes his goalkeeper and fellow Irishman a big pat on the back...
Chelsea lineup
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Brentford lineup
Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Ajer, Henry; Jensen, Yarmoliuk, Janelt; Damsgaard, Thiago, Schade
Chelsea team news, focus
Rosenior is hopeful that Reece James and Cole Palmer will be fit to return after they missed the midweek defeat to Arsenal. Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap are both aiming to recover from illness, while the influential Moises Caicedo will come back in to midfield after being suspended. Alejandro Garnacho scored twice in midweek against Arsenal and will likely start on the left with Pedro Neto on the right and Joao Pedro through the middle.
Brentford team news, focus
Jordan Henderson and Dango Ouattara are both pushing to feature with the former struggling with a knock to his foot, while the latter is being eased back in after AFCON duty. Thiago and Kevin Schade have been sensational in attack and Brentford will get them the ball early and often to cause havoc.
Chelsea vs Brentford preview
The Blues have slumped to just one win in their last nine in the Premier League, taking them from title contenders to top four hopefuls. At the very best. But despite several first team stars missing through injury, Rosenior’s side did push Arsenal all the way in a 3-2 defeat in the first leg of their League Cup semifinal on Wednesday and still have a decent chance of reaching the final.
Brentford have been in superb form under first-year manager Keith Andrews, with the Bees enjoying a tremendous festive period and they are legit contenders for European qualification. Nobody would’ve predicted that after their mass exodus this summer. Brentford beat Sunderland 3-0 last time out and are unbeaten in six league games (winning four of those), with Brazilian goal-machine Igor Thiago leading their charge.
Chelsea vs Brentford prediction
This feels like it will be a really entertaining, close game with plenty of goals. Chelsea’s attacking power will make the difference in the end. Chelsea 3-2 Brentford.
How to watch Chelsea vs Brentford live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday (January 17)
Venue: Stamford Bridge — West London
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
