Chelsea moved within touching distance of Premier League leaders Liverpool with a narrow victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s side now sit second in the table two points behind the Reds, who have the advantage of having played a game less.
However, Chelsea’s seventh consecutive win in all competitions will only serve to underline their status as genuine title contenders.
Marc Cucurella’s first-half header set them on their way against Brentford, with the left-back stealing in to nod in from Noni Madueke’s curling delivery from the right wing.
However, he was later shown a second yellow card after the final whistle to sour the evening for the Spaniard, who had scored his first goal since May 2022.
Chelsea’s second came in the closing stages when centre forward Nicolas Jackson sprinted on to Enzo Fernandez’s pass to dispatch a low shot past Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken into the right corner.
The Senegal international’s effort came as Thomas Frank’s side threatened to level in a match which the hosts had largely dominated.
Christian Norgaard’s volley was superbly saved by home goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, while Fabio Carvalho was unable to convert a gilt-edged opportunity – rattling the Chelsea crossbar, from close range.
However, the hosts were still made to hold on in a nervy finale after Bryan Mbeumo registered his 10th top-flight goal of the season, with a well-placed finish past Sanchez.