From Fabregas magic to battling Blues: Key games in the title triumph
As Chelsea revel in the glory of a fourth Premier League title and a fifth top-flight championship in their history, West London Sport looks at some of the key games that have helped Jose Mourinho’s side clinch the trophy with three matches still to play.
IT STARTED WITH A WIN
Burnley (a) Monday, August 18, 2014 – Won 3-1
The last side to play on the opening weekend of the season, Chelsea responded to the pressure of facing a fired-up newly promoted side in fine style. And they did so despite falling behind. Diego Costa scored on his debut and a sensational team goal that ended with Cesc Fabregas’s exquisite pass teeing up Andre Schurrle for a lovely first-time finish got the campaign off to a flying start.
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A NEW BLUES
Everton (a) Saturday, August 30 – Won 6-3
A breathtaking attacking display and victory at Goodson Park that made a mockery of the accusations that Chelsea lack the flair and ability to entertain. The title run-in was full of grit and determination and defensive quality, but the early stages showed the Blues at their flamboyant best, none more so than here where Costa scored a classy double.
IRRITATING ARSENE
Arsenal (h) Sunday, October 5 – Won 2-0
When push came to shove, Chelsea just had too much nous and quality for the Gunners. Arsenal lost focus and concentration, with manager Arsene Wenger the main culprit. An ugly push on Mourinho overshadowed another stylish win, sealed with a beautifully taken Costa strike.
ANFIELD ECSTASY AGAIN
Liverpool (a) Saturday, November 8 – Won 2-1
Costa’s astonishing goal-laden start to his Chelsea career continued with the winner at Anfield as the Blues came from behind. The result seemed huge, coming against a side that came so close to winning the title last season, but the Reds finished way off the pace this time around.
WAKE-UP CALL
Tottenham (a) January 1, 2015 – Lost 5-3
A quite ridiculous game at White Hart Lane, where Chelsea took the lead early on and looked in control, but Spurs scored with practically every attack. The home side led 3-1 at the break, then 4-1 and 5-2. The visitors kept plugging away and got it back to 5-3 and could easily have scored eight. But Mourinho was far from happy and the more expansive approach was reigned in.
WEARY REARGUARD ACTION
Man City (h) Sunday, January 31 – Drew 1-1
Just a few days after securing a Wembley final date with an exhausting extra-time Capital One Cup victory over Liverpool, Chelsea dug deeper than deep to cling on for a draw against the reigning champions. A Loic Remy goal put Mourinho’s men ahead only for City to quickly level, but a spirited second-half rearguard effort earned a point.
WILLIAN WINNER
Everton (h) Wednesday, February 11 – Won 1-0
A last-minute winner always feels wonderful – particularly when it comes just as the title race is hotting up. A rare Willian strike was enough to settle a feisty game against the Toffees and keep Chelsea on track.
REMY AT THE READY
Hull (a) Sunday, March 22 – Won 3-2
A blistering two-goal start inside 10 minutes should have led to an easy afternoon, but Hull outplayed the Blues for the rest of the half. A change in mentality and the introduction of Loic Remy turned the tide after the break. Within minutes the Frenchman had turned in Willian’s cross and the Blues held on to win.
CESCY FOOTBALL
QPR (a) Sunday, April 12 – Won 1-0
A wonderfully controlled last-gasp winner from Cesc Fabregas settled a poor west London derby, taking Chelsea seven points clear at the top with a game in hand and dealing a crushing blow to the Spaniard’s former club and main title rivals Arsenal. Those with a long memory still recall a 6-0 Loftus Road defeat around this time of year in 1986, a result which went a long way to stopping Kerry Dixon and co winning a title they were in pole position to claim.
IRRITATING ARSENE – AGAIN
Arsenal (a) Sunday, April 26 – Drew 0-0
A brilliant defensive display with John Terry at his inspirational best. Chelsea frustrated their hosts and once again got under the skin of Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, who knew his side’s failure to get one over on Mourinho as good as ended their title challenge.
JOB DONE, TITLE CONFIRMED
Crystal Palace (h) Sunday, May 3 – Won 1-0
Crystal Palace provided stern opposition but Mourinho’s men once again found a way to win with another hugely impressive performance built from the back. Eden Hazard’s slightly fortuitous winner was enough to secure a seventh major trophy and third league title in two spells with the Portuguese as boss – and spark wild celebrations among Blues fans.
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