Chelsea recorded a hard-earned 2-0 home victory over Brentford to boost their Premier League campaign, as head coach Liam Rosenior secured his first league win in charge despite his side being outplayed for long periods.
Goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer lifted Chelsea above their west London rivals into sixth place, though the scoreline belied a match in which Brentford enjoyed more possession and created the better chances.
The visitors started brightly, with Kevin Schade troubling Chelsea early and later choosing to pass to Mikkel Damsgaard instead of shooting when well placed. Brentford’s intensity unsettled the hosts, who struggled to gain control in midfield.
Chelsea’s attacking play was more controlled than convincing. Palmer fired over the bar, while Joao Pedro saw a penalty appeal dismissed before opening the scoring in the 26th minute. Enzo Fernandez forced an error from Michael Kayode high up the pitch, and Joao Pedro pounced on the loose ball, drilling a powerful finish past Caoimhin Kelleher.
Brentford responded strongly, with Damsgaard, Schade and Mathias Jensen all going close. Jensen struck the post, while at the other end Alejandro Garnacho missed a clear chance from close range.
After the break, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez produced a fine one-on-one save to deny Schade as Brentford continued to apply pressure. Rosenior later reshuffled his side, withdrawing Garnacho for Andrey Santos, but the change only increased Brentford’s dominance.
The visitors squandered another gilt-edged opportunity when Igor Thiago headed wide from close range.
Chelsea then struck decisively. A misplaced pass from Nathan Collins and hesitant defending allowed substitute Liam Delap to burst through, forcing Kelleher into a foul inside the penalty area. Palmer stepped up and converted calmly to seal the victory.
The result gave Chelsea a valuable three points despite a largely testing performance and marked Rosenior’s first Premier League win at the club.
