Chelsea Close In On Leaders Liverpool With 2-1 Win Over Brentford |SituationReport|

Enzo Maresca’s high-flying Chelsea beat Brentford 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to close to within two points of long-time leaders Liverpool, who have 36 points.

The home team dominated the first half and got the reward they deserved shortly before the break when Noni Madueke swung in a cross from the right and Marc Cucurella nodded it home.

Nicolas Jackson doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 80th minute and they held out for the win despite a late strike from prolific Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.

It is a fifth straight win for Chelsea, who look increasingly like being Liverpool’s main challengers this season, with Arsenal and City faltering.

Tottenham’s romp on the south coast was the latest chapter in a topsy-turvy season for Ange Postecoglou’s men, who have now won seven and lost seven of their 16 top-flight matches.

James Maddison opened the scoring in 36 seconds and further goals followed for Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Sarr in a staggering 25-minute spell.

England midfielder Maddison grabbed a second goal deep into first-half stoppage time to make it 5-0 at the break but there were no additions in the second half.

In the early kick-off, Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace moved four points clear of the relegation zone following a 3-1 victory at Brighton.

Earlier Sunday, Wolves, in the relegation zone, sacked manager Gary O’Neil after a fourth straight defeat in the Premier League.
|VanguardNews|