Chelsea ended their six-match winless streak in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory against Brentford at Stamford Bridge. Goals from João Pedro and Cole Palmer secured the points for Liam Rosenior in his first game as head coach. The result provides a boost following a recent cup defeat.
Liam Rosenior's tenure as Chelsea head coach began with a hard-fought 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford on January 17, 2026, at Stamford Bridge. Despite illness affecting the squad and a challenging performance, Chelsea showed resilience to claim their first league victory since December 13.
The game started slowly for the hosts, with Brentford taking the initiative early on. Mathias Jensen twice exploited spaces behind Marc Cucurella, forcing a save from Robert Sánchez. Kevin Schade missed a clear chance in the 21st minute by opting to pass instead of shooting, allowing Tosin Adarabioyo to clear.
Chelsea took the lead against the run of play in the 26th minute. A deflection off Enzo Fernández from Michael Kayode's clearance fell to João Pedro, who finished past Caoimhín Kelleher with his left foot. Initially ruled offside, a VAR review confirmed the Brazilian's eighth goal of the season was valid.
Brentford created further opportunities before halftime, with Schade heading wide from Vitaly Janelt's corner and Jensen striking the post. Chelsea nearly extended their lead when Alejandro Garnacho missed from Pedro Neto's cross.
After the break, Igor Thiago headed over for the visitors, but Robert Sánchez made a crucial save shortly after halftime. The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when Nathan Collins's poor back pass led to Kelleher fouling substitute Liam Delap in the box. Cole Palmer calmly converted the penalty, sealing the win.
Tosin Adarabioyo was substituted with a hamstring injury, adding to Chelsea's woes, but returns of Reece James and Palmer bolstered the side. Rosenior, hoarse from passion, praised his players' battle: “What pleased me most was the players’ willingness to battle and fight. That attitude got us the goals and won us the game.”
Brentford manager Keith Andrews felt his side merited a point: “We deserved at least a point on the balance of play, but sometimes the game isn’t fair.” The Bees, fifth in the table and unbeaten in six prior league games, suffered in their poor London derby away form.
This result keeps Chelsea competitive, building faith in Rosenior's methods amid a subdued fan atmosphere.
