Chelsea finally broke their winless streak in Premier League matches after a six-match drought with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge. The Blues' first win under new manager Liam Rosenior was secured by Cole Palmer's penalty in the 86th minute, following an earlier goal from João Pedro.
The game had all the hallmarks of a typical derby match, with both teams creating chances but neither able to break down the other's defenses for long. Brentford, however, were guilty of spurning several opportunities before half-time, including Kevin Schade heading wide and Mathias Jensen hitting the post from a corner.
Chelsea's goal had come in the 26th minute when João Pedro was ruled onside after being fouled by Michael Kayode. The Brazilian then slotted past Caoimhín Kelleher with his left foot for what initially looked like a clear goal, but was later reviewed by VAR and deemed narrowly onside.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with both teams creating chances but neither able to find the back of the net. However, in the 86th minute, Palmer's penalty gave Chelsea the winning advantage after Liam Delap was clumsily brought down by Kelleher inside the area.
Rosenior, who made his managerial debut on Wednesday, praised his players' attitude and resilience in the face of adversity, saying that "the basics of football" ultimately got them the win. The manager also acknowledged the tough start to the year that Chelsea have faced, but emphasized that only the result mattered.
Brentford's defeat leaves their unbeaten Premier League run at an end, while Chelsea move up to sixth place in the table, narrowing the gap with Manchester United and Arsenal.
The game had all the hallmarks of a typical derby match, with both teams creating chances but neither able to break down the other's defenses for long. Brentford, however, were guilty of spurning several opportunities before half-time, including Kevin Schade heading wide and Mathias Jensen hitting the post from a corner.
Chelsea's goal had come in the 26th minute when João Pedro was ruled onside after being fouled by Michael Kayode. The Brazilian then slotted past Caoimhín Kelleher with his left foot for what initially looked like a clear goal, but was later reviewed by VAR and deemed narrowly onside.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with both teams creating chances but neither able to find the back of the net. However, in the 86th minute, Palmer's penalty gave Chelsea the winning advantage after Liam Delap was clumsily brought down by Kelleher inside the area.
Rosenior, who made his managerial debut on Wednesday, praised his players' attitude and resilience in the face of adversity, saying that "the basics of football" ultimately got them the win. The manager also acknowledged the tough start to the year that Chelsea have faced, but emphasized that only the result mattered.
Brentford's defeat leaves their unbeaten Premier League run at an end, while Chelsea move up to sixth place in the table, narrowing the gap with Manchester United and Arsenal.