Although Chelsea were able to come away from the game as 2-1 winners, Brentford certainly provided Enzo Maresca’s side a big test at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson were eventually enough for Chelsea to take all three points, but Brentford didn’t give up right up until the final whistle.
Bryan Mbeumo continued his excellent goalscoring run at Stamford Bridge where he’s now netted in three appearances in a row.
Fortunately from a Chelsea perspective, Jackson eventually found his shooting boots after a high-profile miss earlier in the second half, one that didn’t end up costing the home side.
After five straight league wins, Chelsea are now only two points behind Liverpool in first, a title-challenge that Maresca is refusing to entertain (for now).
Thomas Frank pleased with how Chelsea reacted to their 2-1 win over Brentford
Following the game, Brentford boss Thomas Frank made some interesting comments about Chelsea’s celebrations at full-time when speaking to BBC Sport.
Frank praised both his own team and Chelsea, and thought the way the home side celebrated at the full-time whistle was a sign of their respect for Brentford’s quality.
Malo Gusto and Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, celebrate after the team's victory during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brentfor...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Frank said: “I’m very pleased with the performance. The players gave everything.
“This is a very good Chelsea team with very good players and they’ve spent a few quid. Well coached.
“Second half we were better. A draw would have been well deserved in my opinion. We hit the crossbar, other big chances.
“We created quite a bit of trouble for Chelsea which you could see how much it meant to them. They are right up there as favourites for the title and well deserved.
“I don’t think there’s one [Chelsea] player left from the first two times we won here.
“If you look at the performance today against a top team who will go right to the end of the season and try to win the title, the way they celebrated it was clear they respected us and we could easily have got something. Maybe we could win it.”
Enzo Maresca refusing to admit Chelsea can win Premier League
In terms of individual performances for Chelsea, Cole Palmer received a ton of praise yet again, this time being compared to Chris Waddle.
Otherwise, one or two Chelsea fans spotted what Trevor Chalobah did for Crystal Palace in the earlier kick off on Sunday.
Fans were calling for Chalobah to stay at Chelsea next season, someone who Maresca may still be able to get a tune out of.
However, with the greatest of respect, this Chelsea project seems to be focused on looking forward rather than behind.
And Chelsea are already eyeing one new signing, even if they are being quoted an enormous asking price.
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