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Chelsea secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Brentford at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, December 15. The result sees the Blues close the gap to league leaders Liverpool to just two points, with the Reds having a game in hand. The Bees, on the other hand, slip down to 11th in the table.
Chelsea made a dominant start to the contest as they played at a fast tempo and looked to break forward in numbers. They dominated possession, keeping the ball for 68% of the first period, which allowed them to create plenty chances to score. Brentford, on the other hand, sat deep in a low block as they absorbed the pressure from the hosts and looked to avoid conceding.
As the game progressed, Chelsea racked up 15 attempts in the first period, with five of those on target as they continued their barrage at Mark Flekken in Brentford's goal. The breakthrough finally came in the 43rd minute as Noni Madueke's curling cross found Marc Cucurella, who nodded in with a sharp header to make it 1-0.
The Blues carried a one-goal advantage heading into the break after a closely contested first half against Brentford.
Bees manager Thomas Frank looked to try a different set of tactics in the second half as he made four substitutions in quick succession looking to get his team going. However, Chelsea looked solid at the back and prevented Brentford from creating any big chances. They defended well and Robert Sanchez made a stunning save late in the second half to deny the visitors a goal.
Nicolas Jackson then scored a lovely solo goal after a powerful run through the middle before beating his defender and smashing the ball low into the net. Enzo Fernandez took credit for the assist as the Blues led 2-0. However, Brentford were not willing to let Chelsea rest, with Kevin Schade assisting Bryan Mbeumo as he made a darting run and finished to make it 2-1 in the 90th minute.
The game took a heated turn late on as three late yellow cards were shown to players from both sides. Cucurella, who picked up a yellow in the initial melee, was shown a second yellow card after full-time, meaning he will miss the next game.
On that note, let's take a look at Chelsea's player ratings.
Chelsea Player Ratings
Robert Sanchez - 7.5/10
Sanchez made three good saves, including one acrobatic left-handed save in the second half to keep Brentford at bay. He also made six high claims to thwart the visitors' aerial threat.
Malo Gusto - 7.5/10
Gusto had a good game as he won two duels, making two clearances, one block and one interception. He also played two key passes and three accurate crosses.
Tosin Adarabioyo - 8/10
Adarabioyo had a solid game in defence as he won nine of his 10 duels, making six clearances and one interception. He also played seven long balls to open up the play for Chelsea.
Levi Colwill - 7/10
Colwill had a good game as he won four duels in defence, making four clearances and one block. He also played one key pass and one accurate cross.
Marc Cucurella - 7.5/10
Cucurella had a great game as he scored a goal and was highly-involved in his team's attacking play. However, it ended in a red card after an interesting end to the match.
Moises Caicedo - 7.5/10
Caicedo passed the ball with 85% accuracy, including two key passes. He also won six duels in midfield, preventing Brentford by breaking through with ease by making four interceptions as well.
Enzo Fernandez - 8/10
Fernandez played three key passes in this match, which included an assist. He also won three duels, making one clearance and one interception.
Noni Madueke - 8/10
Madueke had a busy night as he attempted seven shots, with just one of those on target. However, he provided one assist for Chelsea's first goal with a lovely cross. He also won three duels.
Cole Palmer - 7/10
Palmer had a decent game in midfield as he played four key passes and also won three of his four duels.
Jadon Sancho - 7/10
Sancho played four key passes as well, and won three duels on the left flank. He also attempted one shot that was off-target.
Nicolas Jackson - 7.5/10
Jackson was highly active in the final third as he attempted seven shots, with two of those on target, resulting in one goal. He also won five duels.
Substitute
Christopher Nkunku - 6.5/10
He replaced Jackson late in the match after the hosts had already taken a 2-0 lead and did not make much of an impact up front.
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Edited by Arnav Kholkar