Now that the facts and stats are done, let’s go down memory lane and experience some of those extraordinary and unforeseen moments during the Barclays Era.
Season 2004/05. Chelsea were the first team to win the Premier League under the sponsorship of Barclays as Jose Mourinho took his side all the way in his first season in charge of the club. Chelsea were absolutely dominant the entire season, losing just once, conceding just 15 goals, and finishing with 96 points, 12 clear of Arsenal who were in second place.
Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, December 17, 2006. Frank Lampard surpasses Dennis Wise to become Chelsea’s highest scoring midfielder as he scores his 77th goal for the club with a stunning long range strike which helped his side to win 3-2 against the Toffees.
Sunday, April 25, 2010. Stoke City at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United are hot on the heels of Chelsea as The Blues face Stoke City with 2 games to go. Even though the venue was Stamford Bridge where Stoke had never won, their recent defensive form had challenged every team. But Ancelotti said the title was in Chelsea’s destiny as a Salomon Kalou hat trick, Frank Lampard double and goals from Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda helped the Blues thrash Stoke City 7-0.
Sunday, May 9, 2010. Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea finish the season and win the title in style, after thumping Wigan 8-0 on the final day of the season, thanks to a second half treble from Didier Drogba, a double from Nicolas Anelka and goals from Salomon Kalou, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole. This was their third titlel. Chelsea managed to score 4+ goals in a single match on 6 occasions – Against Blackburn Rovers (5-0), Sunderland (7-2), Portsmouth (0-5), Aston Villa (7-1), Stoke City (7-0) and Wigan Athletic (8-0). They finished the season with 103 goals and just one point ahead of Manchester United.
Sunday, December 23, 2012. Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. Just a couple of years before, the Blues had thrashed Aston Villa 7-1. Now, two years later, The Bridge experienced another 8 goal thriller, only this time, all 8 goals were scored by Chelsea. A brace from Ramires and goals from Fernando Torres, David Luiz, Branislav Ivanovic, Frank Lampard, Oscar and Eden Hazard decimated The Villains.
Saturday, May 11, 2013. Aston Villa at Villa Park. A second half double from Frank Lampard saw Chelsea come from 1-0 down to win 1-2 against Aston Villa. The comeback was just one of the 3 great moments for Chelsea. They had secured Champions League football for the next season and Frank Lampard had just equalled and then surpassed Bobby Tambling’s club record of 201 goals during the match.
Monday, June 03, 2013. Chelsea fans were relieved after the departure of Rafael Benitez from the club. The fans were ecstatic after it was announced the Jose Mourinho will return to manage Chelsea. The Special One returned to Chelsea as The Happy One.
“I am one of you.” – Jose Mourinho to Chelsea fans.
Monday, May 03, 2015. Chelsea are crowned champions for the fourth time in their history after defeating Crystal Palace 1-0. Not only are they the champions of England, but they become the most dominant champions after staying on top of the table for 274 days (Previous record was held by Manchester United in 92/93 which was 262 days). Jose Mourinho was Premier League Manager of the Season and the PFA Team of the Year had 6 Chelsea players.
