Cardiff 1-2 Chelsea: Chelsea came from behind on the final day of the season to beat Cardiff City and end their Premier League season on a high.
Goals from Andre Schurrle and Fernando Torres were enough to cancel out Craig Bellamy’s deflected opener and give Chelsea their final three points of the season.
Chelsea lined up with Tomas Kalas and Branislav Ivanovic in the centre of defence, while Ashley Cole started yet again at left-back.
John Obi Mikel lined up alongisde Nemanja Matic and Fernando Torres, likely for the final time, starting upfront infront of Salah, Oscar and Hazard.
Chelsea started off slowly, as they so often have against the so called ‘smaller’ sides this season, and failed to take a game against the League’s bottom side by the scruff of the neck.
Their slow start was epitomised by the games opening goal, as Chelsea’s defence backed off of Craig Bellamy and his shot deflected off the backside of Cesar Azpilicueta, leaving Mark Schwarzer with no chance as the ball curled in.
The scoreline stayed the same for the remainder of the firsty half, as Chelsea failed to take the chances that came their way, with Mohamad Salah recieving much critisism for his first half display.
At half time, it looked like Chelsea would be ending their season with a wimper with many of the players already looking like they were on their summer holidays.
No changes at half time presumably meant that Jose Mourinho had told the players to get themselves out of the hole that they have created for themselves.
John Obi Mikel, another one that we could be saying goodbye to very soon, was replaced by Andre Schurrle just 10 minutes into the half, and the German had an instant impact as he so often has off the bench this season.
Cesar Azpilicueta’s rebound from point-blank struck the bar following a great save from Marshall, but Schurrle’s follow up was struck into the ground meaning Cardiff’s keeper had little chance second time round – 1-1.
Just three minutes later, the comback was complete. Fernando Torres, just about onside, controlled Schurrle’s header before turning, while keeping control of the ball well, and hitting the back of the net from 6 yards while David Marshall was helpless.
The remainder of the game somewhat dwindled out and despite it not being a stellar performance, the result means Chelsea fans travelling back from the Welsh capital at least have something to smile about as the season draws to a close.
The game seemed to be typical of Chelsea’s season: slow to start, unable to take their chances and leaving any drama to late on in the game.
Elsewhere, Manchester City sealed the title which Chelsea could have so easily had, by defeating West Ham 2-0 at the Etihad to pip Liverpool to the post.
A possible look toward the future came in the shape of youngsters John Swift and Nathan Aké making substitute appearances today, while Tomas Kalas started for the second time in the last few weeks.
After the game, Jose Mourinho reflected on not only the game, but where it all went wrong in a season which promised so much for Chelsea:
“This season it almost happened but Aston Villa v Chelsea and Chelsea v Sunderland made a difference.”
He continued, “Finishing third is not a drama, it is a postion we will have to accept in a transitional season.”
Reflecting on the game, Mourinho was pleased to see an improved attitude from his Chelsea players:
“We deserved to win, we played well, especially for an end of season game… the players found the attitude they didn’t when we played Norwich.”
Not too much was expected of either side today, especially with all eyes on the game at Anfield and the Etihad, but a rather dry looking spectacle was improved by Cardiff’s rather impressive defensive display, as well as creating a few chances of their own.
Due to injury, Chelsea fans did not get to say a ‘goodbye’ to striker Samuel Eto’o, who only signed a one-year deal last summer, as Jose hinted the Cameroonian would leave this window, as well as giving an indication towards the future of Fernando Torres:
“Eto’o has finished his contract but I think Torres will be at Chelsea next season.”
Chelsea finish their campaign in third position on 82 points; 4 behind winners Manchester City meaning the ‘if onlys’ will be flying around, regarding needlessly dropped points against the smaller sides.
So, that’s it for another season and we will next see our Boys in Blue as they prepare for next campaign during pre-season, and judging by Jose’s post-match comments, expect a more fierce Chelsea with a number of fresh faces.
See you next season, and keep the blue flag flying high!
Cardiff City 1-2 Chelsea: Match/season facts
- Chelsea retain their PL record of 103 goals in a single PL season (Man City end on 102, Liverpool on 101).
- This is the first time Chelsea have finished the Premier League with 80+ points since 2009/2010
- Mohamed Salah has managed just two shots on target from his last 13 attempts in the Premier League
- Chelsea: 27 shots, 7 on target, 7 blocked, 13 off target, 2 goals.
- Andre Schurrle: 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 key passes, 3 shots, 2 tackles in 27 minutes
- Cardiff have not beaten Chelsea since February 1963
