The Senegalese frontman helped Enzo Maresca's side close the gap to top of the table Liverpool as they saw off a spirited challenge from the Bees
Nicolas Jackson's ninth goal of the Premier League season lifted Chelsea to within two points of leaders Liverpool after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brentford. The in-form striker went close on a couple of occasions early on, before Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken kept out efforts from Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke.
The hosts finally made their dominance count as Marc Cucurella headed home Madueke's dangerous cross two minutes before half time. The Bees improved as the second half wore on, with Christian Norgaard bringing out a terrific save from Robert Sanchez and then substitute Fabio Carvalho hit the crossbar from six yards out.
Thomas Frank's side were pushing Chelsea further and further back but Jackson punished them on the counter-attack with a clinical finish with 10 minutes remaining.
Brentford set up a nervy finale as Bryan Mbeumo slotted past Sanchez in the 90th minute but in the end, Chelsea held on for a victory that they gleefully celebrated at the full-time whistle.
That was not the end of the drama, however, as Cucurella received a second yellow after the final whistle for a clash with Cavalho, which somewhat soured a superb performance from the Spaniard.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Robert Sanchez (7/10):
At a time when many believe Filip Jorgensen should start in goal, the Spaniard commanded his area very well. Made a stunning save to tip over Norgaard's volleyed effort, too, but was unable to keep a clean sheet.
Malo Gusto (7/10):
The full-back put in a typically competent performance for the west London outfit and got forward nicely as well.
Tosin Adarabioyo (6/10):
Was aerially strong, as you'd expect for someone who is 6ft 5in, but wasn't quick enough to stop Mbeumo for Brentford's goal.
Levi Colwill (8/10):
The defender made a superb block to keep out a Mikkel Damsgaard effort and generally swept up most of the danger that came his way.
Marc Cucurella (8/10):
Took his goal, his first in the Premier League since May 2022 for Brighton, in expert fashion and was a threat down the left flank throughout. He underlapped, inverted, overlapped, created chances, and scored in a superb display. Undid some of his great work with a petulant dismissal after the game ended.
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Moises Caicedo (9/10):
Performances like these are why Chelsea paid a British-record £115 million (€147m) for the Ecuadorian international. Powerful, relentless, and oozing confidence.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
After a positive run of form, the Argentine was not at his best as Brentford harried and hassled the midfielder. However, did bag a crucial assist.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
The England international had licence to roam and create for his side but was a bit quieter than usual in front of his home fans.
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Noni Madueke (7/10):
Some of his crosses weren't great but delivered when it mattered with a great delivery for Cucurella's opener. Had the beating of Brentford's defence on many occasions.
Nicolas Jackson (8/10):
Was quite an up and down performance from the striker as he missed some gilt-edged chances but took his ninth goal of the campaign in brilliant fashion and was a constant threat.
Jadon Sancho (7/10):
Was quiet quiet for much of the game but burst into life on occasion with driving runs into the box. Perhaps should have scored a goal of his own when put through.
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Christopher Nkunku (6/10):
Didn't get much chance to shine as his team had to defend when he came on.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
His team were dominant for long periods but they looked vulnerable late on as Brentford pushed for an equaliser. Perhaps could have used the bench more.