Robert Sanchez enjoyed a much-needed moment of redemption as Chelsea claimed a vital win in their top-four fight, beating Brentford thanks to goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer.
After coming under pressure in recent weeks, the Blues goalkeeper proved decisive at key moments, keeping the Bees at bay when they threatened to swing the contest. Chelsea were not always at their free-flowing best, but they were far more clinical than their hosts and took the points that mattered.
Joao Pedro broke the deadlock to put Chelsea in front and settle the visitors, before Palmer struck to give them breathing room and underline his importance once again in the final third.
Brentford pushed back and had spells where they looked capable of finding a way through, but Sanchez stood firm, producing the saves Chelsea needed to protect their advantage and see out the result.
The victory keeps Chelsea’s push for a top-four place alive, with Pedro and Palmer delivering at the sharp end and Sanchez answering his critics with a performance that could prove a turning point.
