Chelsea came out 2-1 winners over a sensational Brentford side in a dramatic derby feast at Stamford Bridge, making it their fifth consecutive Premier League win. The Blues are now two points back, just behind Liverpool in the title race.
The game was split with its mix of brilliance and chaos, just as my attempts at assembling IKEA furniture, with or without the addition of the Spaniard’s Nicolas Jackson’s penalty, Marc Cucurella’s header, and eventual red card. Chelsea fans reveled in another sweet success under Enzo Maresca’s leadership as Brentford’s late push wasn’t enough to rescue the Bees.
First Half: Cucurella Shines Before Things Get Heated
The Blues found the form they started with as they dominated possession and fired in 26 efforts on goal. But while the deadlock stretched well into the half, it was Marc Cucurella who powered in a brilliant header to break the deadlock in the 43rd minute like a phoenix (or perhaps more realistically a really determined pigeon). There was jubilation at Stamford Bridge as the club’s optimism gushed from the confines of the stadium as they looked to secure another three points.
Chelsea’s defensive lapses kept the match alive, however. Brentford had flashes of quality with Fabio Carvalho forcing a great save with his shot into the crossbar and Bryan Mbeumo, time and again, testing the Blues’ defense. But Chelsea still holds on to their lead till break time, and fans feel that wonderful mixture of the pink slip of life by the neck, and now you have to hold on to the work from bromance.
Nicolas Jackson: The Hero with a Few Blemishes
Nicolas Jackson’s performance turned from a powerful subplot into a compelling one in the second half. First, he missed a golden chance to double Chelsea’s lead, and those groans were louder than mine on karaoke night. But Jackson didn’t lose hope. With ten minutes to go, he mounted a composed finish to win it and redeem himself, and Stamford Bridge was in ecstasy.
Jackson’s last 14—nine goals and three assists—tell the story of a star being born. Like my enjoyment of late-night snacks, his influence on the pitch is growing.
Brentford’s Late Effort and Cucurella’s Drama
Brentford didn’t lie down and give up without a fight. Bryan Mbeumo’s goal with two minutes of normal time remaining ensured the game would be a nervy final 10 minutes, but it proved too little, too late for the Bees. Chelsea was relieved to hear the final whistle blow, not before Marc Cucurella added a dose of drama. The Spaniard’s sending off, after a heated exchange, added spice to what is rarely a dull Chelsea game.
Chelsea’s Rise Under Maresca
When Enzo Maresca became Chelsea’s head coach, initial reactions were skeptical, but results have proven his worth. The Blues are flying high, with five straight wins and 15 more points than this time last season, and more goals scored since May (51).
There’s no denying Chelsea’s upward trend. But unsurprisingly, a team now playing better as the Premier League season ends believes in themselves enough to easily defeat Brentford, achieving 2.1 expected goals and eight shots on target. However, the problem of defensive vulnerabilities remains. In the case of Liverpool, top teams would exploit these lapses, but for now, the Blues look ready to mount a serious title campaign.
My Take on Chelsea’s Season
Roll the clock back a few years, and I’d have much more to doubt in regards to Chelsea than I’m willing to doubt expiration dates on snack packets. Nicolas Jackson is showing that he’s much more than a prospect of promise; he’s a game changer. Cucurella’s antics may be cringeworthy, but there is no doubt over the passion. Lulled into a false sense of complacency by Chelsea’s newfound flair and grit under Maresca, they truly are a team that now looks like contenders.
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