8 reasons why the Blues are champs
-
1. Goals, goals and more goals
The 8 goals against Wigan propelled Chelsea into the record books with the most number of goals scored in a Premier League season (103). With their 8 – 0 drubbing of a hapless Wigan, Chelsea ended the season scoring 7 goals or more in 4 games this season. The 7 – 1 demolition of Aston Villa was particularly impressive, considering Martin O’Neill’s side boasts one of the better defensive records in the league. Fans tend to remember their blowout games but all season long, Chelsea only failed to score in one game (0 – 0 vs. Birmingham). In comparison, title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal both failed to score in 6 and 5 matches respectively this season.
2. Carlo Ancelotti
Owner Roman Abramovich wanted his Blues to win in style. And under Carlo Ancelotti from AC Milan, they finally delivered. Gone was the Mourinho-style dour approach to win at all costs. Credit must also go to the Italian master tactician for sticking with his midfield diamond formation, where he abandoned his use of wingers, bringing a greater emphasis on playmakers. His achievements are all the more impressive considering he had to work largely with a squad he inherited. Furthermore, his man-motivation skills also brought out the best in Didier Drogba and in particular, Florent Malouda.
3. Perfect record against the ‘Big Four’
Chelsea’s perfect record against the other teams who make up the ”Big Four” of Man United, Arsenal and Liverpool shows they can rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure. This included doing the Double over closest rivals Man United, albeit via an offside goal by Drogba. Ancelotti has just come out to say that it was this Double win over the Red Devils that was key to their first title in four seasons.
4. Fortress Stamford Bridge
In the Abramovich era, home form has always played a huge role in Chelsea’s run to be champions. In the 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 seasons, they won the league unbeaten at Stamford Bridge. This season they won the league again with the best home record, secured a staggering 52 out of a possible 57 points at the Bridge.
5. Key players
For the past 2 seasons, Didier Drogba wasn’t nearly as good as he was during Jose Mourinho’s time. But this year, he was back to his best, his explosive form resulting in 29 goals, 13 assists and the Golden Boot in the Premier League.
After scoring only 1 goal in the first 9 games of the season, Lampard stepped up to the plate after injuries depleted Chelsea’ midfield. The ever-consistent playmaker bagged 22 goals and 17 assists in his most prolific season in the Premier League yet with Chelsea.
6. Resurgent Malouda
This season, the French winger’s performances finally justified the £13 million Chelsea paid for his services from Lyon 3 years ago. Voted the club’s Player of the Season by his fellow team-mates, his goals and assists record this season alone surpass that of his first 2 seasons combined. With 12 goals, he’s Chelsea’s 3rd highest scorer in the league.
7. Mental toughness
Under Mourinho’s guidance, Chelsea developed a siege mentality against other opponents. This season, that quality again came to the fore as the Blues had to deal with off-field scandals involving captain John Terry and left-back Ashley Cole. Drogba has admitted that Terry’s scandal in particular could have derailed their season but to their credit, Chelsea’s mental tenacity as a team saw them overcome off-pitch distractions.7.
8. Great squad depth
It’s often been said this season that Man United depended too heavily on Wayne Rooney. In contrast, Chelsea showed they have a handful of match-winners besides Drogba, Lampard or Malouda ready to step in and deliver. Alex and Ricardo Carvalho bolstered the defence when required, while Michael Ballack and Deco filled in at midfield especially with Michael Essien out injured. Upfront, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou flourished in the run-up to the end of the season, combining to score 13 goals in the league.
So that, in a nutshell, explains why Chelsea are champs. Can they do the Double this Saturday when they play Portsmouth in the FA Cup final?
Don’t bet against it.
-
The Blues are always tough to beat... Man Utd wasted their chances at Old Trafford and they depend too much on their star striker whom solely missed in that crucial match. Let's wait & see the transfers markets for 2010/11 season after World Cup... This season, all top teams have lost 6 games n more.. hence every teams have failed defensively.
-
The main reason is because c. ronaldo left. Less diving.
-
Well, I totally agreed that the goal-scoring pressure falls on Ronney solely.. With the RED Devils management failed to get a suitable replacement... Hopefully Fergie gets a wake-up call...
-
united need to get silva and david villa (rumoured to have signed for barcelona or soon to sign for barcelona). if both come, that would be some pairing isnt it, villa and rooney.
-
another reason was that they buy injury prone and jinx michael owen.
-
Originally posted by Rooney9:
united need to get silva and david villa (rumoured to have signed for barcelona or soon to sign for barcelona). if both come, that would be some pairing isnt it, villa and rooney.
i seriously think man u will back pedal next season. no disrespect to fergie but i think he's met his waterloo and should make way. 3 on a trot is no mean feat and narrowly missing out is a subtle way of telling him that his time is up.
bloody chelsea is too darn good this season. so, congrats (albeit grudgingly), they are deserving champions with the kind of records they break/set.
so, the utterly disappointing season for me ends on a high this weekend. the reds is still the greatest club in british soccer in all competitions. man u, eat your heart out!
-
firstly, kudos to chelsea for winning. They were more consistent in the season.
Mind u, MU was trying to achieve something near impossible. Breaking the 18th title, and winning 4 EPL in a row. Losing their top scorer and one of their better players were hard to fill. But credit to Rooney, in his new role, he did well, narrowingly missing the golden boot.
And surprisingly,with only him on form, and MU's next top scorers being Berba @ 12, and own goals @ 12, and to lose 7 games, and yet, still be only 1 pt behind the magnificent Chelsea, smashing all sorts of records is quite commendable.
As per SAF's comments, MU did suffer some bad calls, but also benefits from some good calls, so it is give n take.
Sadly for some, I don't think MU will 'back pedal" and will still serve to be a potential treat to snatch back the EPL title next season.
As for blues fans, enjoy it while it lasts. :)
-
No offense, backpedal should not be used for MU, maybe, Liverpool? from 2nd, UCL, now scrapping for Europa League, next season? No offense, just fans' talk.
Records are meant to be broken. Realistically, I think MU still has the greatest potential to break it. It would be quite fun, if Gunners/ Blues finally manage to catch up and contest MU for a chance to smash this vodoo (be it English titles/UCL), and put the old ghosts to rest..
Then sadly, one great club would be forever remember as an "once" great club..
-
It seems that only Chelsea & Man U have been dominating BPL for past 6 seasons. Last is: Arsenal (with their 49 matches unbeaten streaks)
For Liga, neverthesslessly, Barcelona and Real Madrid are the best in Spain. Last was: Valencia.
For Serie A, Inter still proves that they are the only best. But Roma punishes Inter of dropping many points (ended up trail them by 2 points)
Else, no team interfered them to win BPL lol. However, Arsenal came close on winning BPL this season and 2 seasons ago. Liverpool came close to maintain superior record against Man U last season.
No tense compeitition for League anymore?
-
Originally posted by TIB657M:
It seems that only Chelsea & Man U have been dominating BPL for past 6 seasons. Last is: Arsenal (with their 49 matches unbeaten streaks)
For Liga, neverthesslessly, Barcelona and Real Madrid are the best in Spain. Last was: Valencia.
For Serie A, Inter still proves that they are the only best. But Roma punishes Inter of dropping many points (ended up trail them by 2 points)
Else, no team interfered them to win BPL lol. However, Arsenal came close on winning BPL this season and 2 seasons ago. Liverpool came close to maintain superior record against Man U last season.
No tense compeitition for League anymore?
next season, for EPL, look out for Mcity if they continue to get good quality buys..
-
ello we didnt buy owen. we just pay him when he plays.
we need jesus navas to play across wing with nani.
we can still keep berbatov but buy a 10+ million striker
-
The $ issue is still a crucial means... The EU nations are on the edge of a Financial Crisis..(Greece is in Deep Shit, next is Portugal.. next, next... ) Hence football clubs are all holding back with their purchases and banks are not willing to finance players purchases.. Owners with deep pockets like Chelsea will be in advantage. Clubs with debts are unlikey to spend much.... if not.. many clubs will go into adminstration next seasons...(just like Portsmouth, Leeds... etc) no good for football as a whole...