Chelsea put the finishing touches on their title-winning Premier League season with a classy 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge last night.
The new English Champions lifted the trophy after a performance that showcased why they were uncatchable for the entirety of the campaign, rather than the reasons they are easy targets for football critics and opposition fans.
Although the hosts were constantly moving forward with intent to score, it was Sunderland who would take the initial lead in the 26th minute, when Adam Johnson’s corner went unattended to the back post for a waiting Stephen Fletcher to head home.
This signalled the substitution of Didier Drogba minutes later, who had announced that this would be the final game in his second-run as a Chelsea player before kick-off. An eruption of support was triggered around the Bridge, and in a touching moment of respect the Ivorian’s teammates carried him off the pitch. There was still business to be done, however, and less than 10 minutes later replacement Diego Costa restored parity from the penalty spot, after Juan Cuadrado was brought down in the area by John O’Shea.
It was clear that there was only one result on the mind of Jose Mourinho’s team, largely dominating the second-half with relentless possession and pinpoint short passing. Following numerous attempts, Loic Remy put Chelsea in-front with a forceful long strike in the 70th, and added a second to his name a few minutes before the final whistle.
Ending the season in style
After suffering what was perhaps the worst defeat of a near-immaculate campaign at the hands of West Brom last weekend and facing wave-after-wave of scrutiny for what was described as ‘boring football’, the onus was on Chelsea to end the season in a manner truly befitting of champions. This showed in the team’s approach from the opening whistle, players that had appeared drained after a long season showing some vigour to find space around the 18-yard box.
It has been a while since the Londoners have taken 24 shots in a game, but when they do the goals usually follow and even the stubborn Sunderland backline could only last so long before the cracks became too wide. Playmakers Eden Hazard and Willian had free-reign on the wings, both unlucky to make it on the scoresheet, although the Belgian did register an assist. The new fan favourite in West London, Costa registered his 20th Premier League goal and the second-half pressure would lead to a late brace for Remy, capping-off the young Frenchman’s first season in blue which saw him record an impressive seven goals in six appearances.
The Cuadrado conundrum
It has been just over three months since the Colombian made the move to Stamford Bridge, and although it is not unusual to see a player take time adjusting to the Premier League, Cuadrado seemingly has not shown enough solid evidence to warrant his four-and-a-half year contract. Earning the penalty which would get Chelsea back to level terms has by far been the closest his name has come to being on a scoresheet, and although he displayed some early tenacity that had not yet been seen, it ended with his substitution due to injury moments before half-time.
Considering Juan Mata was let go by Jose Mourinho on the back of much better showings, one would expect some off-season evaualuation of Cuadrado’s place in the team.
Fitting farewell for West London heroes
On a day which signalled a changing of the guard among many a Premier League side, Chelsea too said goodbye to one of their icons for the second time. With a little over an hour remaining before kick-off the announcement came that Didier Drogba would again be parting ways with the club after the match, seeking an environment where he can end his playing career as a first choice striker.
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Leading his teammates onto the field and proudly wearing the Captain’s armband, it was the menacing Ivorian’s 243rd appearance in the domestic competition and although the Blues were trailing when he was substituted, there was no dampening the celebrations as Drogba once more lifted a trophy for the Blues.
With fellow veteran Peter Cech also likely to depart in the summer, this title may have put the end to a memorable chapter in Chelsea history, but Mourinho still has unfulfilled ambitions that will put his new crop to a bigger test.
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