By Olaitan Ibrahim
Chelsea battled past a resilient Brentford side with a 2-1 victory in a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, keeping their hopes alive in the chase of league leader, Liverpool.
The game got off to a dynamic start with both teams showing intent. In the 11th minute, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson latched onto a pass and fired a first-time shot towards the left side of the goal. But Brentford’s goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, was equal to the task, diving low to deny the Blues.
Just 18 minutes later, Mikkel Damsgaard had an opportunity to break the deadlock for Brentford, receiving a precise pass inside the box. However, a Chelsea defender made a heroic last-ditch block to ensure the score remained level.
Chelsea‘s Noni Madueke looked to deliver a powerful blow in the 39th minute, charging into the penalty area and unleashing a fierce shot that looked destined for the back of the net. But Flekken’s quick reflexes kept Brentford in the game, saving brilliantly once again.
Then, in the 43rd minute, Chelsea broke the deadlock in scintillating fashion. Madueke delivered a beautiful lofted cross into the box, and Marc Cucurella was there to meet it, guiding a header low inside the left post, leaving Flekken with no chance.
The second half brought more drama. Nicolas Jackson nearly doubled Chelsea’s advantage in the 60th minute, but his effort went just over the crossbar.
Brentford, not to be outdone, had their best chance of the game in the 73rd minute. Christian Norgaard found himself unmarked inside the box and fired a shot toward the top of the net, but Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez was equal to the challenge, producing a remarkable save.
Brentford’s woes continued as Fabio Carvalho saw his thunderous shot in the 77th minute rattle off the crossbar. It was a heart-stopping moment, but Chelsea hung on.
In the 80th minute, Chelsea sealed their lead with a moment of individual brilliance from Jackson. A quick turnover in possession saw him charge forward, before dispatching a precise shot past Flekken for 2-0.
Brentford kept fighting, and in the 90th minute, they found a consolation goal that was nothing short of spectacular. Bryan Mbeumo latched onto a pinpoint through ball from Kevin Schade and unleashed an unstoppable strike from the edge of the area, firing the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.
Despite their best efforts in the dying moments, Brentford couldn’t find an equaliser, and Chelsea held firm to secure a crucial 2-1 win, keeping them in touching distance of the top of the table.