Chelsea moved to within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday as goals from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson earned them a 2-1 win over neighbours Brentford.

Chelsea pegged Brentford back from the outset but it was not until the 43rd minute that full-back Cucurella raced into the area and dived athletically to head Noni Madueke's cross past goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Ten minutes before the end of the first half, Jackson slotted home his ninth Premier League goal of the season inside the near post after latching onto a pass from Enzo Fernandez.

Brentford continued to look dangerous on the break and the ever-present Bryan Mbeumo pulled one back in the final minute of stoppage time to give Chelsea, who are now four points clear of third-placed Arsenal, a nervy finish.

Christmas came early for Enzo Maresca and his Chelsea players. Santa Claus delivered the perfect weekend, with the Blues beating Brentford 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, while rivals Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa all dropped points.

Cole Palmer's side are now just two points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand over Everton, but four clear of the Gunners in third, six clear of Nottingham Forest in fourth and seven clear of City in fifth.

Sunday's performance against Brentford was another typical Chelsea performance this season. They created plenty of chances and wasted plenty of them. On another day, either side could have won the game 4-3.

Nevertheless, Chelsea will be pleased with another win - their 10th of the season, just one less than Liverpool. The Blues have 34 points from 16 games. They had 19 points at the same stage last season.