Chelsea scored once in each half to overpower Brentford 2-1 in their English Premier League (EPL) match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Marc Cucurella and Nicholas Jackson were the goal scorers as the Blues dominated their feisty, defence-minded opponents with more than double their shots attempted and on target.
Bryan Mbueno scored Brentford’s consolation goal late on.
Cucurella put Chelsea in the lead on 43 minutes, latching on to Noni Madueke’s cross to head into the net.
The home side however had to wait until the 80th minute to double their advantage through Jackson who collected Enzo Fernandes’ pass, rode a challenge before smashing an unstoppable shot into the net.
Mbeumo halved the deficit on 90 minutes with a calm finish off a Chelsea mistake, but it proved scant consolation as Chelsea held on to claim a well-deserved win.
The victory moves Chelsea to 34 points from 16 matches, cutting Liverpool’s lead at the top to two points but have played a game more.
Earlier, Manchester United scored twice in two minutes to win the Manchester derby 2-1, consigning Manchester City to another debilitating defeat.
Amad Diallo stole the show, winning the penalty Bruno Fernandes dispatched before netting the winner to complete a comeback that seemed impossible after Josko Gvardiol gave City the lead in the first half.
It is United’s first win at City’s Etihad Stadium in four attempts, but the Red Devils remain in 13th place with 22 points from 16 matches, while Man City are in fifth position on the log with 27 points.
Tottenham scored four goals in the first 25 minutes to crush EPL basement club Southampton 5-0, with all goals scored in the first half.
RESULTS
- Brighton & Hove Albion 1-3 Crystal Palace
- Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
- Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United
- Southampton 0-5 Tottenham Hotspurs
