Agency :
Ben Chilwell’s first-half strike sent Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League (PL) with a 1-0 win at Brentford, thanks in large part to Edouard Mendy’s late heroics.
Bryan Mbeumo hit the post for Brentford in the first half, while Timo Werner missed two fine chances for the visitors, but Chelsea went into the break ahead through Chilwell’s half volley from just inside the area (45), his third goal in three games for club and country.
Mbeumo hit the post again in the second half before Mendy saved brilliantly three times late on, first from sub Saman Ghoddos, then with his face from Pontus Jansson at point-blank range, before tipping over Christian Norgaard’s stunning overhead kick in stoppage time.
After wins for Liverpool and Man City earlier on Saturday, the pressure was on Chelsea to keep up the pace in what promises to be a tight title race, and they returned to the top of the pile with their sixth win of the season.
Brentford lost for just the second time this term, and are seventh after eight games.
It was three years to the day since Frank took over at Brentford, and his side had the first big chance of the game midway through the first period.
After receiving Norgaard’s header down in the area, Mbeumo snatched at his opportunity eight yards out, hitting into the ground and off the post. Chelsea broke instantly through Werner, who squared for Romelu Lukaku to tap home, only for the Belgian to be ruled offside, but it was a sign of things to come.
The video you are trying to watch cannot be viewed from your current country or location
Mbeumo hits the post, Lukaku goal disallowed
Werner, who has now started the last three Premier League games, had a golden chance to put Chelsea ahead, striking high and wide from the edge with plenty of the goal to aim at after Lukaku had held the ball up well.
Nobody could criticise Werner’s ability to get into dangerous positions as he was found in behind moments later by Cesar Azpilicueta, but once again Werner’s end product was just missing as he opted to square for Lukaku instead of shoot, allowing Pontus Jansson to intercept.
Chelsea did take the lead on the stroke of half-time through a brilliantly controlled Chilwell finish. Battling with Jansson to get a connection on Azpilicueta’s cross, Lukaku lost out to the defender, but the ball popped out kindly for Chilwell, who smashed into the net from 15 yards.
Brentford made one change as Jensen replaced the injured Baptiste, while both Janelt and Wissa missed out on the squad due to injury.
Chelsea made three changes as Sarr made his Premier League bow, coming in alongside Christensen and Kante. Silva, Hudson-Odoi and the injured Rudiger dropped out.
