(Video): Flying Marc Cucurella puts Chelsea ahead after dominant first half

Chelsea have the breakthrough against Brentford!

It’s been a frustrating first half in all – the Blues have been denied multiple times by Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken, and have also messed up a few good chance themselves.

But with half time closing in, Enzo Maresca’s team have made their dominance count.

Noni Madueke has had some frustrating moments in this first period, but he made no mistake here. Out on the right wing, he cut back onto his left foot and launched a booming inswinging cross to the centre of the box, where Cucurella had made a perfect run to meet it.

We’ve see the Spaniard thrive in this position where he’s encouraged to get forward from left back into the attacking line, and this was a perfect example. Nobody is expecting him to pop up there, but he timed his approach perfectly and showed great body control to fire the header in.

It’s a nice moment for him too, after last week’s catastrophic double slip. He’s bounced back in the best possible way.

You can see the goal in the clips embedded here:

[Footage from Canal Plus]

[Footage from NBC Sport]

Second half needs more goals from Maresca’s Blues

Chelsea need to keep their concentration levels high against a really dangerous Brentford team, who haven’t really showed up so far. They will come out fighting in the second period and will surely step up their game. Chelsea need to be ready, and what’s essential is adding a second (and preferably a third) goal. With a few attacking players out, it may fall to Tyrique George and Christopher Nkunku off the bench to try and seal the deal.

Whatever happens, it’s essential we don’t ease off now. The dropped points around the league this week make it a perfect change to keep improving our standing.