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.