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:
