Brentford vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction tonight
The Blues consolidated their place at the top of the table as the high-flying Bees came close to pulling off another shock
Chelsea held off a late onslaught from Brentford to achieve a narrow away victory on Saturday and consolidate their place at the top of the Premier League table.
Thomas Tuchel’s side had emerged as early frontrunners for the title, with confidence clearly flowing after their Champions League triumph in the spring, but they recently suffered back-to-back defeats against top teams in Man City and Juventus to somewhat lose momentum. The Blues have now responded with two straight wins, however, this victory over a spirited Brentford outfit earning Chelsea three invaluable points.
Left-back Ben Chilwell, making just his second league start of the season, fired the visitors ahead on the cusp of half-time, blasting a superb half-volley past David Raya for his third goal in as many games for club and country. Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was equally important here, however, making a string of superb saves late in the game to help his side survive the swarming Bees. The best of the lot was a stop with his face to deny Pontus Jansson, though the Senegal international then also crucially tipped over a Christian Norgaard overhead kick from close range to secure the win.
Follow all the fallout from the top-flight meeting:
Edouard Mendy heroics deny Brentford as Chelsea cling on for away win
Edouard Mendy’s stunning string of saves ensured Chelsea climbed back to the top of the Premier League with Ben Chilwell’s strike sealing a nervy 1-0 win at luckless Brentford.
England full-back Chilwell’s second league goal in as many games pushed Chelsea back ahead of Liverpool in the standings – but Senegal stopper Mendy’s inspired showing secured the points.
Edouard Mendy heroics deny Brentford as Chelsea cling on for away win
Chelsea had their goalkeeper to thank for their three points.
Reaction from matchwinner Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell gave his thoughts to Sky Sports after scoring for the third game in a row. He said:
It was very tough. The last 20 minutes we showed the mentality we need to show all season. They have had a brilliant start to the season and there fans are good for them. In the last 20 minutes to half an hour they were really pushing them on and it was hell on earth.
“[Edouard] Mendy was superb. We see it every day in training and he is now gettng the credit he deserves in these games by making big saves to get us the points. We showed our steel and how strong we are defensively.
“We spoke about coming out and trying to get back in the swing of things. The preparation is not brilliant but it is about mentality and that was there.
“You have ups and downs the important thing is to train hard and when you get your chances take it.”
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
Brentford had 17 shots with seven on target. Most of which came in the final 20 minutes but none got past this man who was exceptional for Chelsea.
Brentford vs Chelsea: Player ratings as Edouard Mendy proves key to narrow win
Chelsea had goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to thank as they held on to claim a narrow win over Brentford and return to the top of the Premier League table.
Brentford had the first chance to open the scoring when Bryan Mbeumo struck the post following a corner but Chelsea were able to subdue their west London rivals and assert their control.
Romelu Lukaku had a goal disallowed for offside before Timo Werner spurned a good opportunity, but it was Ben Chilwell, making just his second Premier League start of the season, who gave the Blues the breakthrough when he struck a controlled volley into the net on the cusp of half-time.
Player ratings as Edouard Mendy proves key to Chelsea’s win over Brentford
Ben Chilwell scored in his third match in a row to earn his side a hard-fought 1-0 victory, but goalkeeper Mendy’s performance was equally important
Another clean sheet for Chelsea
Chelsea have let in just three goals from eight league games this season.
They have kept five clean sheets and are yet to concede from open play.
Incredible.
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
Chelsea move back to the top of the table jumping one point ahead of Liverpool. Ben Chilwell’s first half goal was the difference between the teams but Brentford put in a magnificent performance to trouble the European champions.
They did everything but score. Bryan Mbeumo hit the post twice and Chelsea were left scrambling for the last 15 minutes or so but somehow they held on to their lead.
Full-time: Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
90+6 mins: The throw in comes into the box. Havertz gets there first and knocks the ball down. Jansson tries to get there but Kante boots the ball clear!
The whistle goes and Chelsea claim the win.
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
90+4 mins: Reece James is down after a collison. There doesn’t seem to be too much wrong with him but Chelsea need to take as much time out of the game as possible.
Brentford have a throw in when play resumes.
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
90+2 mins: Save! Mendy has just been given the man of the match award and proves why. A cross comes over to Norgaard to goes for an overhead kick and connects beautifully. The ball is sneaking under the crossbar but Mendy leaps up againto push it over the bar!
Brentford 0 - 1 Chelsea
90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play here. Thomas Tuchel is encouraging his players on. Thomas Frank looks pensive. Mendy boots the ball up the pitch and Brentford recover the ball.
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