Enzo Maresca's Chelsea continued their upward trend with a hard-fought victory against Brentford, winning 2-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium on December 15, 2024. This marked Chelsea's seventh consecutive win across all competitions, narrowing the gap between them and league leaders Liverpool to just two points.
After facing Brentford, a team they previously struggled against, Chelsea was determined to maintain their form. The match began with Brentford applying early pressure, but it was Chelsea who struck first late in the first half. Marc Cucurella found the back of the net with a precise header just before the halftime whistle, giving the visitors the lead.
"I am very happy. Especially when I see the fans happy. We train hard every day to create those feelings during and after the match," stated Maresca, highlighting the importance of the fans' support during their campaign.
Brentford wasn't to be underestimated and came out fighting after the break, but Chelsea doubled their lead through a counter-attack led by Nicolas Jackson, who skillfully finished to put the Blues up 2-0. Maresca praised his players' spirit, saying, "This is thanks to the players. The hunger and strong mentality they showed tonight were just incredible."
Despite Chelsea appearing to have the game under control, Brentford clawed one back late with Evan B. Mbeumo scoring in the final moments, creating tension within the stadium. Chelsea’s defense stood firm under pressure to secure the win.
Having played remarkably, Chelsea sits second on the Premier League table, boasting the highest goal tally of the season. "Even if I said something, it's still the players who put on performance," Maresca commented, emphasizing the teamwork inherent to their success.
The victory over Brentford was not just about the points but also about building confidence as they approach the season's latter stages. Chelsea's blend of youthful energy and experienced guidance under Maresca appears to be the right mix as they aim for their first Premier League title since the 2016-17 season. "We still have things to improve, and I believe we are on the right path," said Maresca, remaining cautious yet optimistic about potential title aspirations.
With this victory, Chelsea has shown resilience and determination, and fans are beginning to dream once more about silverware at Stamford Bridge. The coming weeks will tell how far they can go as the Premier League race heats up.
