Liam Rosenior marked his first Premier League match in charge of Chelsea with a rare milestone, becoming only the second of the club’s last eight managers to win their league debut (D4, L2) as the Blues claimed a 2-0 victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea entered the contest without a win in five league matches (D3, L2) and were fortunate not to fall behind midway through the first half. Kevin Schade skipped past Trevoh Chalobah and cut the ball back into the danger area, but with a clear sight of goal, the German opted to square it. Tosin Adarabioyo intercepted, with Robert Sánchez alert to prevent an own goal in the process.

That escape proved pivotal, as Chelsea broke the deadlock just five minutes later. Enzo Fernández pressed Michael Kayode into a hurried clearance, allowing João Pedro—initially flagged offside—to smash home from the edge of the box after play was allowed to continue.

Brentford responded positively and went close to an equaliser when Mathias Jensen volleyed wide following a clever lofted pass from Mikkel Damsgaard. Despite that threat, Chelsea could have doubled their advantage before the interval. Pedro Neto burst down the right and delivered a superb cross across the face of goal, but Alejandro Garnacho skewed his close-range effort wide.

The visitors emerged with renewed intent after the restart and nearly drew level, only for Sánchez to come to Chelsea’s rescue, stretching out a foot to divert Schade’s low shot around the post when the forward was through on goal.

A calmer spell followed, with Chelsea controlling proceedings and limiting clear-cut opportunities at both ends. Brentford briefly threatened again when Igor Thiago’s powerful header flashed wide, but any late hopes were swiftly extinguished.

A heavy touch from Caoimhín Kelleher allowed substitute Liam Delap to pounce inside the penalty area, forcing the goalkeeper into a foul. Cole Palmer stepped up and coolly converted the resulting spot-kick to seal the victory.

The goal ended the contest and secured Chelsea just their second win in nine Premier League meetings with Brentford (D4, L3), keeping Rosenior’s side in contention for a UEFA Champions League place after a difficult run of form.

Brentford, meanwhile, suffered a 12th defeat in 16 away London derbies, though sitting seventh in the table—just a point behind Chelsea—offers encouragement despite the setback.