Liam Rosenior’s first Premier League match in charge of Chelsea ended with a victory as the Chelsea side defeated Brentford 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro’s powerful strike and Cole Palmer’s penalty were enough to separate the sides, but Keith Andrews’ side will be left wondering how they squandered the numerous chances they created to get something out of the game.
Chelsea fans had protested to the club’s board before the game, but the result left those in blue smiling as the new head coach made an ideal start to his Premier League tenure.
Chelsea fans protested against club ownership before kick-off
The visitors had the better start of the two teams and would have won through Tosin Adarabioyo’s own goal had Roberto Sanchez not made a great save to deny the ball.
Just a few minutes later, the first Premier League goal of Rosenior’s reign was scored. After multiple moves fell apart on the edge of the Brentford box, Chelsea finally got lucky. The ball was deflected into the path of João Pedro, who smashed it into the roof of the goal.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but the decision was overturned by VAR and Chelsea began to succumb to Brentford’s pressure.
This goal started the game, and from then on both teams had great chances. Matthias Jensen watched his volley from inside the area hit a tree, but Alejandro Garnacho somehow missed the target moments later, leaving the goal wide open from inside the six-yard box.
Alejandro Garnacho missed a brilliant chance to double Chelsea’s lead
Sanchez continued to silence his critics early in the second half with a fine save at his feet to keep Kevin Shade at bay, but Igor Thiago watched on as his header went wide for a agonizing whistle.
Brentford were disappointed in the missed opportunity when Nathan Collins put Caoihin Kelleher in trouble with a terrible backpass, but a poor touch from the keeper forced Liam Delap to earn a penalty, which the returning Palmer calmly tucked away.
Cole Palmer celebrates with his teammates after scoring Chelsea’s second goal
The result saw Chelsea overtake Brentford in the Premier League table and move into sixth place, while the Bees dropped to seventh.
More to come.
