Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There may only have been 100-200 fans protesting outside the stadium before the game, but against the backdrop of that fringe movement, this was a win Chelsea needed.

There are various concerns within the fanbase, and not everyone agreed with those gathered outside the Britannia Gate before kick-off.

But the general mood reflected the growing frustration heard at both home and away games, where chants in support of former owner Roman Abramovich - and against current custodians Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital - have become an increased part of the background noise around the club.

Just one win in nine matches before this was at the heart of those concerns - and chants in support of former manager Enzo Maresca, who left on New Year's Day, highlighted the rising distrust in the club's decision-making.

Liam Rosenior, who was appointed before Chelsea played Fulham earlier this month but did not take charge of the game, has not been targeted by fans, but a slow start could have risked him being drawn into the wider frustration.

Yet while Chelsea's performance was far from assured, their superior finishing ultimately separated these two west London rivals.

Rosenior will be relieved.

He has spoken about needing short‑term results to secure the time required to imprint his ideas on a team still playing in an eerily similar style to Maresca's. In fairness, his substitutions proved influential, with Andrey Santos offering tidy, defensively solid play, and Liam Delap winning a penalty.

Rosenior revealed after the match that winger Estevao Willian was the latest player to miss out through illness, and that a virus continues to wreak havoc.

"It's running through the squad," he said. "There were a few, I won't say who, but there were a couple of players playing today who were complaining about their chests. They put in a magnificent effort.

"Liam was ill. Yesterday late, Estevao had a temperature and a fever. We just have to be really adaptable and adjust the way that we work.

"I felt that's why we weren't good with the ball. I won't give you names, it's not right for me to do that, but I'm so happy with the attitude of the group to get through this game."

Put simply, Chelsea needed a win - to quieten the noise, stay within reach of Champions League qualification, and kickstart another new era under another new manager.

As Rosenior said: "We didn't play the free-flowing football that I want us to in the end, but we got the job done and that's a really, really pleasing result for the players to give them and myself more confidence moving forward."

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, speaking to Sky Sports after the 2-0 win over Brentford: "If you want to be a winning team then you have to find a way to win when you're not at your best.

"I said a few things about the club's demands. I want us to play free-flowing football and for the fans to enjoy what we do. I'm here to help the lads improve and win games of football at the same time.

On Cole Palmer: "He's a fantastic player. I have to give Cole and Reece James credit. They haven't trained, they've been in the wars. It was an outstanding team performance from Cole and he's going to get better."

Did you know

• Chelsea's Cole Palmer has scored in consecutive Premier League home games for the first time in just over a year, since doing so in January 2025.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Brentford's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Cole Palmer and Reece James return from minor injuries to start for Chelsea.

Liam Delap is also back on the bench after a spell out with illness but Malo Gusto and Jamie Gittens remain unavailable.

New manager Liam Rosenior makes five changes from the team which lost 3-2 at home to Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Garnacho, Joao Pedro.

Subs: Jorgensen, Fofana, Acheampong, Badiashile, Hato, Andrey Santos, George, Delap, Guiu

Brentford manager Keith Andrews makes eight changes from the 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday last week in the FA Cup.

However, midfielder Jordan Henderson remains out for Brentford at Stamford Bridge having had a late fitness test before kick-off.

Dango Ouattara is back from the Africa Cup of Nations and makes the bench.

Brentford XI: Kelleher, Ajer, Collins, Janelt, Kayode, Jensen, Yarmoliuk, Daamsgard, Henry, Schade, Igor Thiago

Subs: Valdimarsson, Hickey, Van Den Berg, Pinnock, Nelson, Ouattara, Lewis-Potter, Donovan, Furo

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Man Utd v Man City (12:30)

• Chelsea v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds v Fulham

• Liverpool v Burnley

• Sunderland v Crystal Palace

• Tottenham v West Ham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Brentford" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Liam Rosenior's Chelsea looked a bit like Enzo Maresca's Chelsea against Arsenal, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez playing out from the back.

It seems they have got a new manager who is going to play the same way as their old one, but is Rosenior going to be a stickler for doing it at all costs the way Maresca was?

It finished 2-2 when these sides met earlier in the season and it will be close this time too.

Brentford are on such a good run that has seen them climb to fifth, three places above Chelsea, but I still fancy the Blues at Stamford Bridge even though they have only won one of their past five games there.

Rosenior was without several players through injury, illness and suspension against the Gunners, but he will be hoping to have a few of them back for this one.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

After mixed results in his two cup games since taking over, Liam Rosenior's first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea sees them host fifth-placed Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

It is a fixture in which the Blues, two points adrift of their opponents in eighth, have struggled in recent times, registering just one win in the past eight meetings between the two clubs.

Rosenior, whose dad Leroy is a former Brentford manager, will be hoping to emulate his fellow Englishman Graham Potter by winning his first league game in the Chelsea hotseat - something which has eluded seven of the club's past eight bosses.

Recent absentees Cole Palmer and Reece James have trained this week, but striker Liam Delap, who scored the final goal of Enzo Maresca's reign in another west London derby against Fulham, is expected to miss out because of illness.

Rosenior will be mindful of the fact Chelsea have conceded the opening goal in each of their past three league games, especially since only Manchester City and Arsenal have spent a larger amount of time in a winning game state than Brentford (37.2%), proving how adept the visitors are at defending a lead.

Brentford are unbeaten in six league games, their best run since a seven-match stint in September 2023, but they struggle on the road in their own city.

The Bees have lost 11 of their past 15 away London derbies in the league, conceding at least twice in each defeat.

On a positive note, no Premier League duo have combined for more goals this season than Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade (four), the German laying on three assists for the in-form Brazilian, who is second in the scoring charts with 16.

Thiago's double against Sunderland means he has scored the most goals of any Brazilian in a single Premier League campaign, taking him clear of Roberto Firmino, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli.

The lively link-up between the pair extends to chances created. Their record of 13 is only bettered this season by Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard (16), Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins (16) and Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland (14).

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter at Cobham Training Centre

Image source, PA Media

Chelsea defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile have described what the first week working under new head coach Liam Rosenior has been like.

Rosenior, 41, replaced former boss Enzo Maresca after he fell out with the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, prompting his mid-season departure. He has since overseen a 5-1 win away at Charlton in the FA Cup third round and a 3-2 home defeat by Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Both Chalobah and Badiashile called the mid-season managerial change "difficult" but, speaking before facing Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, were positive about the new coach.

Chalobah said: "You have to adapt quickly from one manager's style of play to the next. We've got to hit the ground running. It has been a lot of meetings and a lot of tactical work on the pitch.

"He's explained his background, what he wants from us and his principles. When managers come in, it's obviously going to be different and it's about getting those basics right.

"His football is something we're used to. We like to play and that's exactly what he wants - to play, to trust ourselves and rely on each other, knowing the quality we have.

"He's very confident, knows what he wants and is very clear. You can see the players are engaged straight away."

Badiashile said: "He spoke about the mentality to always be positive. Whether we win or lose, we need to have the right mindset. That's why he is trying to help us stay positive, even when it's difficult.

"The sessions are good - a lot of the ball, aggressive without the ball - so it is good to work with him. I watch the French league so I know how good he is. Now we have to focus on the future, not the past."

Asked if much had changed behind the scenes, Badiashile added: "No, it's pretty much the same to be honest."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea attacker Tyrique George has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge since mid‑December.

The 19‑year‑old made a notable impact towards the end of last season under former manager Enzo Maresca but has not been included in any of Chelsea's past 12 Premier League matchday squads.

George suffered further disappointment when he failed to make the squad for the FA Cup third‑round tie against Charlton on Saturday. He was, however, an unused substitute against Arsenal, with eight senior players ruled out of the match. His most recent senior appearance for Chelsea came in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, playing 45 minutes in the first half against League One side Cardiff City.

Chelsea signalled their intentions at the end of the summer transfer window by accepting a £22m bid from Fulham on deadline day, only for the move to collapse in the final moments. George is again available for transfer and could consider a loan move, but he is not expected to revive a switch to Craven Cottage after being left frustrated by how the failed move was handled.

He was also discussed as part of a potential swap deal for midfielder Xavi Simons - now at Tottenham - during the Dutchman's spell at RB Leipzig, underlining the possibility that a move abroad could suit him.

New manager Liam Rosenior is not expected to alter the trajectory of George's future. When asked about the forward's situation, Rosenior said: "The honest answer is I don't know. Tyrique is a player of immense potential who I've been aware of for a long time."

If George stays, he could still earn further minutes, but Chelsea appear ready to cash in on another academy product, having already sold players such as Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Tammy Abraham, Marc Guehi and Fikayo Tomori under their current owners and the previous ownership.

Chelsea want to bring in a defender this window, with Bournemouth's Argentina international Marcos Senesi, 28, among several targets. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

With five more games between now and the return leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal, former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot feels the side will have found "better rhythm" under new boss Liam Rosenior and the game will be "even closer".

So we asked you whether you thought these games in between would provide the Blues with a better chance of turning the tie around. Across our three options suggesting yes, 47% felt it will be a help, while 20% are less convinced and the remaining 6% could not decide.

Meanwhile, defender Trevoh Chalobah has been speaking to BBC Sport about Rosenior and the changes he has been making since he arrived.

You can see what he had to say below and further down this page you'll find what the new Chelsea boss has been saying in his news conference before the visit of Brentford on Saturday.

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Rosenior said the club are trying to contain a virus that has affected some players and members of staff in recent days. Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are recovering at home.

• Cole Palmer and Reece James, who are recovering from minor injuries, will be assessed after training on Thursday with the hope they could be involved against Brentford.

• On reports that Facundo Buonanotte is set to join Leeds on loan, Rosenior said: "I thought he was magnificent against Charlton. In terms of the games and minutes he's had, it's not quite what he wants so we're looking into the best solution for him."

• Rosenior continued: "I'm in constant communication with the sporting directors and the ownership about potential transfers that would be good for us, coming in and coming out. But I said to them when I first came in that I want to look at and assess this group, because you get good surprises. If something's right for us in any position that's going to help the team and the club, we'll look at it."

• On whether Robert Sanchez remains his number one goalkeeper for Premier League games after two errors in Wednesday's Carabao Cup loss to Arsenal, Rosenior said: "It's the same for every position. I'm here to assess every position and I don't have number ones or number twos. There has to be competition. You have to earn your spot in this team. I have a very good squad, so that is the message to all of the players - I don't have guaranteed number ones or number nines, they have to earn their place in the team."

• After Chelsea fans sang his name during his first home match in charge, Rosenior said maintaining a positive relationship with supporters needs to be "two-way". He continued: "For them to sing my name, they need to enjoy what they see on the pitch, see us attack games and most importantly see us get results. Hopefully I can develop a really good relationship with them, not for what I say here, but for what they see on the pitch."

• Rosenior said he has not been surprised by how well Keith Andrews has done in charge of Brentford. "He's at a good club where they have a clear idea about their infrastructure and what they want to do," said the Chelsea boss. "His team are in good form and will be a difficult challenge for us."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to live commentary of Chelsea v Brentford on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 15:00 GMT on Saturday

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot says he does not want to "judge" the performances of Liam Rosenior's team too soon and expects their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal to be "even closer".

In Rosenior's first home game in charge since taking over, the Blues fell to a 3-2 defeat by London rivals Arsenal in the first leg of their Carbao Cup semi-final.

Despite having seemingly improved this season, it was goalkeeper Robert Sanchez who failed to deal with the Gunners' first two goals to put Chelsea on the back-foot, but Rosenior refused to place blame on the Spain international.

"It's too early to start asking question marks [about Sanchez]. Everybody will make mistakes," Melchiot told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"Of course he [Rosenior] sees them [the mistakes], but you do not want to publicly go after your players.

"One of the key things I saw is how far up the keeper is. Rosenior wants to create an extra centre-half when they have the ball. We want time. I do not want to judge him too hard. They are so used to playing the way prior to his arrival."

Despite the defeat and having been two goals down on two occasions, Chelsea can take some positives from the fact it is just a one-goal deficit to overturn, with substitute Alejandro Garnacho scoring two crucial goals.

Rosenior will now have five games before the return leg at the Emirates, which he will hope to have players like Cole Palamer and captain Reece James back for, while also being able to implement his style of play more.

" Melchiot added: "Garnacho came on and played well. You need your wingers, they have got to contribute. Estevao had a couple of opportunities. That kid is confident, and so young. The ones that do well in the Premier League are the ones who were that confident.

"The two goals Garnacho scored were important. It allowed Chelsea to compete again. After seven minutes, the corner, you cannot do that. You know how Arsenal play.

"You go to Arsenal's stadium now. Chelsea will be further into the games, you have a better rhythm to create. I expect this game to be even closer."

How much - if at all - do you think those five games will help Chelsea to reach Wembley final?

Make your choice here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United are set to take over Chelsea's loan move for Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte.

The 21-year-old has made only one Premier League appearance for Chelsea, in September, after the Blues hijacked Leeds' initial attempt to sign the Argentine on loan on deadline day earlier that month.

Buonanotte has scored once and provided two assists in eight appearances in all competitions for Chelsea.

He last appeared in the 5-1 FA Cup third round win over Charlton on Saturday.

Chelsea and Brighton both agreed that the switch would be beneficial to the player's ongoing development.

Leeds are expecting him in the city to complete the move on Thursday.

They are likely to offer him a more prominent role as they look to add further attacking options under manager Daniel Farke.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham are interested in signing Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen in the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old continues to push for his exit from Stamford Bridge in the hope of becoming Denmark's number one goalkeeper.

The Hammers are in the relegation zone, with fellow Dane Mads Hermansen failing to dislodge Alphonse Areola since his summer move from Leicester.

Turkish giants Besiktas are also interested in signing Jorgensen in January.

The Blues are currently blocking any move as it would deny them a competitive option to push Robert Sanchez.

Yet there remains optimism that their stance could change later in the transfer window.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Carabao Cup game between Chelsea and Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Nick: Given the huge gulf in quality and experience between the two starting 11s, and the benches, Chelsea did well to keep the margin down to one. It was men v boys, with Chelsea showing great spirit and energy. If James, Gusto, Caicedo, Palmer and Delap are all available for the return leg we have a (slim) chance of getting to the final.

Chris: Sanchez should have stopped two of Arsenal's goals. His distribution again was poor. Chelsea need a new goalkeeper sooner than later or the season will fade away. Kepa showed him how it's done.

Rob: Against Arsenal you have to be physical, we lacked that a bit last night. Having said that, all you can ask for is the will to fight and battle and the team did that. I don't mind losing games if we show spirit and tenacity, something we have been lacking when going behind in games recently. There is still one leg to go and anything can happen when you battle.

Fossie: A decent display despite poor goalkeeping from Sanchez. Some good foundations to build on. Rosenior has a few games to perfect his ideas before the 2nd leg, a one goal deficit can be overcome. Well done Chelsea.

Arsenal fans

Eddie: Impressive attacking display with contributions spread around the team. Too much focus on Sanchez errors, we could have easily scored five if he didn't save a few! Both conceded goals avoidable, but set strongly for the return leg at the Emirates where we haven't lost all season. Hopefully a final beckons!

Chase: We were always on top in this game and to have conceded two felt unnecessary. That said, I'd gladly win like this all the way to May!

Adesile: Taking your chances is the key to an Arsenal picking up silverware this season, if they hadn't convert their chances, the match will be either lost or drawn. Second tie to go though.

Fikre: What a great result for Arsenal! But, it should have been safe for the second leg.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Green, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast about errors made by Robert Sanchez in Wednesday's Carabao Cup loss to Arsenal:

"If you are new boss Liam Rosenior you've set the team up and you concede a goal within the opening minutes of both halves and they're both errors.

"Filip Jorgensen played in Rosenior's first game and played really well against Charlton. Yes, it was against Charlton and there are different challenges in doing that, but all of a sudden, the challenge for Sanchez is you've proven yourself to be number one and you've got to go and do it again."

Asked whether he thinks Rosenior will keep faith with Sanchez as his first-choice goalkeeper, Green added: "I think he'll stick with Sanchez because he's had the shirt.

"You look at how they're playing now - they're looking to lure the press, they've got the double pivot, they've got the overload around their own goal - and it was hairy at times. Sanchez didn't look assured on the ball.

"That's the difference, that's where Jorgensen can play. He's got shortcomings in shot-stopping attributes and stuff like that, but if you want your goalkeeper to be playing out from the back, it throws in a very different dimension because Enzo Maresca had changed that and allowed Sanchez to go long.

"All of a sudden, with these errors, you're saying 'what are you bringing to the party if you are going to cost us goals, as well as not being able to play out as well?'"

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Such was the importance of this fixture that Liam Rosenior had been planning for it even before Chelsea's previous match against Championship side Charlton in the FA Cup.

The new head coach wanted to be ready for a major test against the Premier League leaders, who have lost only two games in all competitions this season.

Having focused on mentality and intensity when preparing for an FA Cup tie against second-tier opposition, this was the first genuine tactical examination for the former Strasbourg head coach.

However, none of his injury doubts - Cole Palmer, Reece James or Malo Gusto - were able to feature on the night. In addition, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens withdrew through illness shortly before kick-off, while Moises Caicedo was suspended.

Despite those absences, Chelsea competed with Arsenal in the first half, but fell behind as Robert Sanchez failed to deal with a cross.

Conceding a second set-piece goal inside Rosenior's first two matches, with Sanchez again at fault for the second, will be frustrating and may prompt questions about the goalkeeping situation.

There were, however, early signs of Rosenior's identity emerging. Enzo Fernandez's pressing forced Martin Odegaard into losing the ball in the build-up to Alejandro Garnacho's first goal, while the winger's second came from a set-piece. Rosenior also deployed Wesley Fofana in a dedicated man‑marking role on Odegaard, Arsenal's key creator.

Yet with fans chanting against the club hierarchy and in favour of former owner Roman Abramovich, there remain a host of issues beyond Rosenior's control that could affect Chelsea not just in the EFL Cup, but across the competitions still to come.

Image source, Getty Images

Liam Rosenior spoke to beIN Sports after Chelsea's defeat to Arsenal: "It's half-time [in the tie]. I was very happy with the engagement, the commitment of the players. They gave everything. It was a very open game. Disappointed to concede from a corner. Disappointed with the third goal as well because we were right back in the game and we were on top at that moment.

"We switched off from a restart from a central free kick but I can't fault the players. We've had illness in the squad, we've picked up a few knocks this week but what the squad has shown is that they are willing to run and fight for each other."

On Robert Sanchez's performance: "Rob's a very good goalkeeper. He made an outstanding save at 3-1 to keep us in the tie, so for me, loads of things to improve but the overall attitude of the team I liked. Hopefully, we get a few bodies back for Brentford on Saturday."

On Alejandro Garnacho coming off the bench to score twice: "I said he would be important off the bench and he proved that today. I've got an outstanding squad. What I need them to do is be engaged whether they start the game or whether they come off the bench. Garna showed his quality. I think Pedro Neto was magnificent. Estevao was outstanding as well.

"We need to make sure we perform well individually so we don't concede as many goals."