By
SABC Sport
17th January 2026
Chelsea Regain Control as Brentford Punished at the Bridge
Chelsea finally found momentum as they beat Brentford 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to end a difficult run and keep themselves in contention for a Champions League place.
The hosts rode their luck early when Kevin Schade failed to capitalise on a clear opening, but Chelsea made Brentford pay soon after. Enzo Fernandez pressed aggressively to force an error, allowing Joao Pedro to drive a low finish into the corner for the opener.
Brentford continued to threaten, with Mathias Jensen going close, while Chelsea missed chances of their own through Alejandro Garnacho. After the break, Robert Sanchez produced a key save to deny Schade, keeping the Blues in control.
The game was settled late on when Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher brought down Liam Delap, allowing Cole Palmer to calmly convert from the spot. The win marked only Chelsea's second success in nine league meetings with Brentford and lifted them back into the European conversation.
Burnley Frustrate Liverpool as Top-Four Race Tightens
Liverpool's push for a top-four finish suffered a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Anfield.
Arne Slot's side dominated the first half and were unlucky not to lead earlier. Dominik Szoboszlai struck the crossbar from the penalty spot, while Martin Dubravka was kept busy by Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike.
The breakthrough finally arrived just before the interval when Florian Wirtz smashed a stunning effort into the roof of the net. Liverpool continued to press after the break, but missed chances proved costly.
Burnley stunned Anfield with one of their first real attacks as Marcus Edwards slid a composed finish past Alisson. Despite relentless late pressure, Liverpool could not find a winner, leaving them frustrated and Burnley with a valuable point, even if their survival hopes remain slim.
Late Wilson Strike Stuns Spurs in London Derby
Tottenham's miserable run continued as they were beaten 2-1 by West Ham, with Callum Wilson scoring deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic derby win.
West Ham took the lead through a deflected Crysencio Summerville effort, while Spurs struggled to build momentum in the first half. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola kept the Hammers ahead with a series of fine saves.
Tottenham improved after the break and were rewarded when Cristian Romero powered home a header to level the match. Spurs pushed for a winner, but were caught out late from a corner, allowing substitute Wilson to smash home the decisive goal.
The result ended West Ham's long winless run and gave their survival hopes a boost, while Spurs were left facing the possibility of slipping further down the table as pressure continued to mount.
