Chelsea beat Crystal Palace, by a solitary goal at Stamford Bridge, confirming their status as Premier League champions for the fifth time.
The Eden Hazard penalty, that condemned Crystal Palace to defeat, handing Chelsea their fifth Premier League title, summed up the blues season since the turn of the year. At times they have stumbled, but one-nil to the Chelsea has since become a hit record.
There are a number of reasons Chelsea have emerged as champions. Everyone else is rubbish, they have a strong spine, and in Jose Mourinho they have one of the greatest coaches in living memory.
The ‘Special One’ has his critics. Mostly born from his lack of experience playing at the top level, and his often-controversial tongue – but to win eight top-flight league titles, in 13 seasons competing in some of the most difficult leagues in the world, is something else.
It’s fitting that the day after Floyd Mayweather once again showed the boxing world how to take the points and run, that Mourinho’s Chelsea won the title. There are so many similarities between the two. Neither are very well liked, both are well respected, and neither of them care about going all gung-ho. For this pair it’s all about the victory.
At the beginning of the season Chelsea blew everyone away with a scintillating brand of football. Terry, Matic and co shoring up the shop so Fabregas, Hazard, and Costa could put their jumpers down and play football. Then as we crept into 2015, they turned a new leaf. They went to places like Old Trafford, and The Emirates, and they grinded out results. It may not have been pretty, but it was remarkably effective.
Mourinho is a master, but it’s the players who put the ball in the back of the net. His purchases in the summer turned out to be inspirational. Compare Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas to Falcao and Angel Di Maria and I won’t have to write another word. He’s tough as well. Petr Cech was voted the Premier League’s top goalkeeper in 2013-14 and he didn’t get a kick this year. It must have been a tough decision, but it was one that will ensure Chelsea end the season with the meanest defensive record in the league.
There will be changes in the summer. Both Manchester teams will strengthen. Louis Van Gaal will still be searching for his philosophy, whilst Man City goes looking for a new manager. Arsenal will continue to improve, and Liverpool can’t get any worse.
They will all be chasing Chelsea, and looking at the situation right now, the smart money is on title number six for the boys in blue.
