Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea were sensational in the 2014-15 Premier League campaign, winning 26 of their 38 matches and losing just three times all year. The Blues, led by the evergreen John Terry, steamrolled opponents throughout a dominant first half of the season and, when the going started to get tough, they managed to find ways to continue winning – putting together a 15-match unbeaten run after losing 5-3 to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of January. That run secured their first Premier League crown since 2011 as they went on to finish eight points ahead of last season’s winners, Manchester City. Despite a dominate performance throughout the campaign, other supporters began to label Chelsea as ‘boring’ in the closing stages of the season as Mourinho’s team ground out a number of 1-0 victories to secure the title. This Chelsea fan account has hit back, showing just one of the phenomenal goals that the Blues scored last year.
Boring goal scored by Boring Boring Chelsea this season. https://t.co/jo7eL41NUY
— Mr.BlueGuy (@MrBIueGuy) June 8, 2015
In reality, it was clear that Chelsea were by far the best team in England’s top flight from the opening weekend of the season. While other teams started slowly, the Blues demolished newly promoted Burnley with a clinical first-half display. Mourinho’s side made a clear statement of intent from the very start and their ruthlessness would continue throughout the entire campaign. Mourinho was ecstatic at Chelsea’s display of dominance and allowed his side a few days off to celebrate their latest achievement. The image below shows one of their goals from the opening weekend’s victory over Burnley – a fantastic team effort.
However, the Blues boss has already claimed that his side must go on to defend their Premier League title next season as Mourinho attempts to build another dynasty in his second spell at Stamford Bridge. This season, Chelsea secured the Capital One Cup – beating London rivals Tottenham 2-0 in the final – and the Premier League trophy. Next year, Chelsea will attempt to go one better and either win the UEFA Champions League, or emulate Arsenal’s 2003-04 season and go undefeated throughout the 38-match campaign. Chelsea’s supporters will, at the very least, expect the Blues to defend their Premier League title.
Chelsea are an exceptional squad and have talented footballers all over the pitch. However, they may not be able to compete against the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as they search for their second Champions League success in five seasons. Mourinho is fond of Europe’s elite competition but knows the importance of winning the domestic title – especially because the seeding format for the Champions League has now changed.
Although it will be difficult to emulate the Invincibles, the Blues may fancy their chances of coming very close. Last season, Chelsea were unbeaten against the Premier League’s ‘top’ sides, losing only to Newcastle United, Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion – with the defeat against the Baggies coming after the Blues were already crowned champions of England. Mourinho’s side recorded draws away at Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United, while earning victories over the Gunners and Louis van Gaal’s side at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal’s achievement in 2003-04 was always going to be tough to match, but the task has become near impossible in the modern era due to the influx of finance in the sport. Manchester City’s increase in power has been as a direct result of economic support, while Manchester United’s downfall under David Moyes prompted the club to spend a record figure in last season’s summer transfer window. Chelsea’s rivals are all expected to invest astutely again in the upcoming period as they attempt to narrow the widening gap between themselves and Mourinho’s side.
Looking ahead to next season as a whole, the defending champions will be quietly confident of retaining the Premier League title. They have a young squad that is hungry for success and, with match winners all over the field, it’s difficult to look past Mourinho’s side. If they can keep Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas fit for the majority of the campaign, they will stand an excellent chance of earning back-to-back championships. At the time of writing, betfair are offering 11/8 on the Blues to lift the trophy at the end of next season, while this year’s runners-up, Manchester City, are priced at 3/1 to regain the title.
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