Chelsea beat Brentford 2-0 in manager Liam Rosenior’s Premier League debut

New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior oversaw a 2-0 win for the Blues over west London rivals Brentford on Saturday in his first Premier League game since taking charge at Stamford Bridge, settled by a Joao Pedro goal and a Cole Palmer penalty.

After a run of nine league games with just one win – most of them under former coach Enzo Maresca, who left the club on January 1 – Rosenior had to watch as Brentford wasted a series of chances.

However, it was Chelsea who found the net when Pedro turned and fired a bullet shot into the top corner of Caoimhin Kelleher’s net in the 26th minute. Palmer doubled Chelsea’s lead from the penalty spot in the 76th minute after Kelleher failed to control the ball and tripped substitute Liam Delap.

Highlights – Chelsea vs Brentford

The win lifted Chelsea to sixth in the table, leaving Brentford behind, who were unbeaten in six games.

For the visitors, Kevin Schade had a great opportunity to open the scoring in the first half, but he tried to send a pass instead and Mathias Jensen hit a post while standing in space at the far post.

Five minutes into the second half, Schade had a chance to make amends for his profligacy when he was put through on goal, but his shot was deflected wide by the outstretched foot of the advancing Robert Sanchez.

“We just weren’t clinical enough with the chances we had,” Brentford coach Keith Andrews said. «On the other hand, we have not given up anything. I am proud of the performance levels. The growth of the team is visible for all to see.»

Published on January 17, 2026