3 Key takeaways from Chelsea's clash with Brentford

Chelsea seized the opportunity to gain ground in the Premier League title race with a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge. The win, Chelsea’s fifth consecutive in the league, brought them within two points of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and extended their lead over Arsenal to four points. Marc Cucurella opened the scoring with his first goal for the club, while Nicolas Jackson’s superb strike sealed the result, cementing Chelsea’s status as one of the league’s in-form teams. Here are the key takeaways from the London derby:

Breaking the Brentford Curse

Chelsea overcame a significant hurdle with this result. Since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League in August 2022, the Blues had managed just one win in six previous meetings, all at the Gtech Community Stadium. However, the Bees had remained unbeaten at Stamford Bridge — until now. With this victory, Chelsea not only secured their first home win against Brentford but also marked the first time in this fixture’s brief history that the home team emerged victorious.

Nicolas Jackson: Proving His Worth

In a match where Chelsea controlled possession, created numerous chances, and frequently tested Brentford’s defense, Nicolas Jackson continued to demonstrate why he is becoming a key player for the Blues. Despite missing a couple of opportunities, the Senegalese striker delivered when it mattered, smashing a low-driven effort past Mark Flekken to double Chelsea’s lead. Jackson’s ninth goal of the season underscores his growing importance to the team, with 11 goal contributions in his last 12 games at Stamford Bridge. At just 23 years old, his development has sparked a debate about whether Chelsea needs to pursue a new striker in the January transfer window.

Robert Sanchez: Rising to the Occasion

Robert Sanchez has faced his share of criticism since taking over as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, with concerns over his distribution and composure under pressure. However, against Brentford, the Spanish international showcased his shot-stopping prowess. A crucial instinctive save preserved Chelsea’s lead, and his command of the penalty area, including key claims from crosses, provided stability at the back. Head coach Enzo Maresca was quick to highlight Sanchez’s contributions, reaffirming his faith in the goalkeeper as an integral part of the team.

Title Challenge Looms?

Chelsea’s recent run of form has thrust them into the conversation for the Premier League title. With just two points separating them from the summit and a favorable schedule ahead, the Blues are building momentum at the perfect time. While it remains early to make definitive claims, the evidence is mounting that Chelsea could be genuine contenders this season.

Up next is a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton, which will mark Chelsea’s final visit to the historic stadium before the Toffees’ move to their new home. With confidence high and the stakes rising, the Blues will aim to extend their winning streak and continue their climb up the table.