Chelsea 0-2 Brentford: Fifth Successive Loss for the Blues under Manager Frank Lampard, Azpilicueta nets Own Goal>>>

Chelsea’s miserable run under interim manager Frank Lampard continued on Wednesday night, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to visiting London rivals Brentford.

The opening half saw both sides attempt to assert control on the game albeit with very little goalscoring opportunities, but it was the visitors from five miles across who found the breakthrough in the 37th minute.

A corner-kick from Zanka deflected off Blues skipper Cesar Azpilicueta and past goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as the Bees took the lead into the interval.

The Blues attempted to get back into the groove in the second period but the tie was put beyond their reach, as Bryan Mbeumo made a darting run and struck with twelve minutes remaining.

The defeat leaves Chelsea in the bottom half of the Premier League table in eleventh position. Also, manager Frank Lampard has now lost five games on the spin, since returning as gaffer of the Blues.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT STAMFORD BRIDGE: Chelsea 0-2 Brentford

GOOOAAALLL!!! Chelsea 0-2 Brentford (B. Mbeumo)

78′ MIN: Brentford double their lead in style. Bryan Mbeumo carries the ball a long way, drives inside, and rockets a shot home.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT STAMFORD BRIDGE: Chelsea 0-1 Brentford

HALF-TIME AT STAMFORD BRIDGE: Chelsea 0-1 Brentford

GOOOAAALLL!!! Chelsea 0-1 Brentford (Own Goal – C. Azpilicueta)

37′ MIN: The Bees take the lead from a set-piece, as Cesar Azpilicueta deflects Zanka’s in-swinging corner past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

KICK-OFF AT STAMFORD BRIDGE: Chelsea 0-0 Brentford

There is little or nothing left in the season to salvage for Chelsea, but they will be looking to register a positive result here at home following four successive defeats in all competitions.

Much of the talk coming out from SW6 is the seeming appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the club’s new permanent manager, starting from next season plus the contract situation of midfielder Mason Mount. Current caretaker boss Frank Lampard will be eyeing his first points in what is his second spell in charge of the Blues.

For Brentford, the chase for continental football next campaign means they need to amass as much points as possible, until the end of the season. The Bees can capitalize on Chelsea’s wretched run to inflict further misery and come away with the three points on offer.