Having recalled his big guns for the west London derby, Enzo Maresca had to wait until a couple of minutes before half-time to celebrate the breakthrough as Marc Cucurella headed home Noni Madueke's cross.
Striker Nicolas Jackson, who missed a sitter earlier in the game, scored what turned out to be the winner as Bryan Mbeumo pulled one back to set up a tense finish.
The home side, though, stood firm to cut the gap to Liverpool.
_Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge..._
One hairy moment when letting ball slide under his foot early on but brilliant save from Norgaard at 1-0.
Dominated his battle with Keane Lewis-Potter.
The one player pressed straight back into service after the midweek’s Kazakhstan trip but you would not have known. So close to a third late on.
Terrific block on Damsgaard to deny [Brentford](/topic/brentford) opener. Visibly growing as a leader.
Impossible to keep out of the action. Great desire and header to break the deadlock, key clearances in stoppage time, then sent off after the final whistle.
Raking pass from deep made early Jackson chance. Won ball back in lead up to the clincher.
Tenancious stuff from the Argentine. Won the ball high up the pitch and moved it intelligently. Pass in behind made Jackson goal.
Directness caused plenty of problems. Terrific delivery for Cucurella goal.
Had hearts in mouths when limping early on but fine to continue. Denied by sharp Flekken save.
Could not have done more to leave Jackson a simple finish but striker skied.
Twice went close early on, before a miss of the season contender when lifting over from Sancho’s cross. But finally got his reward with powerful near-post finish.
**Christopher Nkunku (Jackson 83’) N/A**
**Unused:** _Jorgensen, Disasi, Acheampong, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Rak-Sakyi, George, Guiu_
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