Liam Rosenior enjoyed a dream Premier League debut in the Chelsea dugout, overseeing a 2-0 victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Joao Pedro and Palmer ended a five-match winless run in the league for Chelsea, with Rosenior becoming just the second manager since Maurizio Sarri in 2018 to win his first Premier League game in charge of the club (after Graham Potter did so in 2022).

The Blues took the lead 26 minutes in as Joao Pedro latched onto Michael Kayode’s deflected clearance before blasting a powerful effort into the roof of the net, with the goal awarded following a VAR review for offside.

Brentford threatened on several occasions, with Mathias Jensen striking the post with a mistimed volley in the first half after an innovative set-piece routine caught the Chelsea defence off guard.

Kevin Schade came closest for the Bees after the restart, only to see his low effort denied by Robert Sanchez’s outstretched boot.

Cole Palmer sealed the points for Chelsea from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, coolly drilling his spot kick into the bottom right corner after Liam Delap was felled by Caoimhin Kelleher.

We take the points! #CFC | #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/sJYGPAw6NH

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 17, 2026

Data Debrief: Joao Pedro shines to lift Blues up

Joao Pedro has made a habit of scoring timely goals for Chelsea, with six of his seven Premier League goals either putting the Blues ahead (four) or drawing the match level (two).

The Brazilian has now scored more match-winning goals than any other Chelsea player in the league this season (three).

Saturday’s contest was finely balanced, however, with Chelsea’s expected goals (xG) total of 1.59 xG only narrowly surpassing Brentford’s 1.54 xG.

The Bees will feel unfortunate not to have found the net, extending their struggles in London derbies. They have now lost five of their last six away league matches against London rivals (W1), including each of the last four by an identical 2-0 scoreline.