Chelsea Football Club is closing the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool following their recent triumph over Brentford, marking their seventh consecutive victory across all competitions. With this win, the Blues now trail the top of the table by just two points, injecting excitement and optimism among fans and pundits alike.
The match was held at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea hadn't secured a league win against Brentford since 1946. Goals from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson set the tone for the Blues, who looked formidable throughout the encounter. Despite a late goal from Bryan Mbeumo to give Brentford some hope, Chelsea managed to hold on for the 2-1 victory.
After securing three points, Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca has drawn significant praise, particularly from former Blues player Joe Cole, who described him as the Premier League's "manager of the season" to date. Cole contrasted Maresca's effective management of the club’s large squad—approximately 30 players—with Chelsea’s recent history under previous manager Mauricio Pochettino and the club's mixed performances the last two seasons. "What he had to contend with at the start, we were talking to him at West Ham, and he said about the 30-odd players he's got and trying to manage the squad. A lot of question marks on the recruitment," stated Cole, highlighting the challenging environment Maresca inherited.
Chelsea's performance against Brentford saw Cucurella open the scoring with a well-placed header just before half-time. This pivotal moment followed several missed opportunities, leaving the match finely balanced until Jackson doubled the advantage with another goal. His finish showcased the confidence bubbling within the team, as they seem to have finally clicked after struggling through last season.
Aaron Ramsdale, Southampton's goalkeeper and part of the TNT Sports commentary team, also shared his admiration for Chelsea’s resurgence under Maresca. He noted, "The manager is definitely getting them to gel as a team. The previous season you could tell they were good players but weren't gelling as an XI. Now they're playing some great football with Cole [Palmer] at the top of his game." This speaks volumes of the transformation the squad has undergone this season.
Peter Crouch, another TNT Sports figure, echoed Cole’s sentiments but pointed out potential shortcomings in maintaining this impressive run. "[Concern is] whether they can sustain it for an entire season. I think Maresca, what he's done so far has been fantastic," Crouch observed. He remarked on the balance Maresca has struck within the squad, offering opportunities to players who were previously sidelined, thereby fostering competition and harmony within the team. "...Every player that's not been playing in the Premier League seems to come in and do a job, no one throwing their toys out of the pram," he elaborated, indicating a significant cultural shift within the squad.
Despite some concerns about stability, analysts agree on one thing—Chelsea is very much alive in the title race. With the club sitting close behind Liverpool, the upcoming fixtures are becoming increasingly decisive. Should Chelsea make good on their opportunities and maintain their form, their chances of snagging the Premier League title become ever more realistic.
The road hasn't been smooth for Chelsea; their past two seasons were less than stellar, finishing 12th and then 6th under new ownership. Maresca’s significant influence is evident; he has turned around what many considered an unmanageable situation. His ability to integrate new signings and promote team chemistry has breathed new life not just on the pitch but throughout the club.
With Chelsea's next match against Everton, another opportunity awaits. This will not only be another chance for points but also for the Blues to solidify their growing reputation and aspirations this season. The looming question is whether they can keep this momentum going and sustain it through the entire league schedule. Every match counts, and with Liverpool holding the upper hand currently, Chelsea must be at their best to capitalize on every opportunity.
Overall, this Chelsea squad under Maresca has certainly shown signs of resilience and promise. The electric atmosphere surrounding the Stamford Bridge crowd on match days suggests renewed faith from supporters. The hope is palpable: could this be the year Chelsea returns to the top? Time will tell, but the signs point toward what could be an exciting title race. With momentum on their side and growing momentum, Chelsea aims to grasp the Premier League title once more.
