Blues ride their luck but go sixth
Palmer scores decisive goal from the spot.
Chelsea climbed above Brentford and into sixth place in the Premier League with a hard-fought win in Liam Rosenior’s first league game.
The Bees missed a collection of fine chances, with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saving brilliantly from Kevin Schade.
Sanchez also made an excellent save to stop Tosin Adarabioyo’s block from going in as an own goal after the defender tried to thwart Mikkel Damsgaard’s effort.
And Chelsea cashed in when Joao Pedro lashed in an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area, an effort which survived a lengthy check for offside.
And they wrapped up the win in the second half after Bees keeper Caoimhín Kelleher tripped Liam Delap.
Cole Palmer stepped up to convert from the spot and give the Blues three vital points in their European puush.
New Chelsea manager Rosenior was taking charge of his first home league game after a 5-1 win at second-tier Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round and a 3-2 defeat at home to Arsenal in their EFL Cup semi-finals first leg.
