Chelsea climbed closer to the Premier League summit after a 2–1 victory over Brentford on December 15. As reported by Reuters, Marc Cucurella opened the scoring with a diving header before a late Nicolas Jackson strike sealed the win—moving the Blues to within two points of leaders Liverpool
Despite the triumph, Cucurella’s celebration turned sour when he picked up a red card after the final whistle for a heated altercation. Manager Enzo Maresca, speaking post-match, dismissed overblown title talk but admitted the win showed the squad’s growing hunger. He applauded both his seasoned campaigners and emerging talents like Jackson, who now boasts nine goals this campaign
Tactically, Maresca stuck with his attacking 4‑3‑3 setup, which paid dividends: high pressing unsettled Brentford’s midfield, while quick transitions allowed Jackson to pounce late. As Maresca commented, “we need more experience” under pressure—a subtle nod to squad depth that will be tested in the busy January window.
🔄 Transfer Scuttlebutt: No new names surfaced from the match report itself, but talk has started around midfield reinforcements to complement the likes of Jackson and Cucurella—especially with potential cup fatigue looming next month.