This season has finally come to an end, with there being huge uncertainty around the club. Constant questions will be asked about John Terry’s contract and the incoming/outgoing players in the summer transfer window.
The season started off horrendously with a defeat to New York Red Bull (reserves) that saw Asmir Begovic concede 4 goals in 45 minutes on his debut. A late pre season put us in a horrible position as the squad arrived back in England on the Thursday, then played Arsenal in the community shield on the Sunday.
Even though the club lost to Arsenal in August, things didn’t look to be getting better throughout the start of the season, sitting in the bottom half of the table and there being a reported ‘snake’ in the changing rooms. Times were tough and after Chelsea’s defeat to the eventual Premier league champions, Leicester, Mourinho was sacked. The crowd therefore turned against the players, particularly Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas because of false accusations.
Hiddink returned to the club and steadied the ship, but no huge incline to push for a Europa league spot. A good run of games without defeat was brought to an end with defeats in both games against PSG and knocked out by Everton; our season was over before we had got into April.
The fans were eager to see the youth brought through, but Hiddink stuck with Matic and Mikel in midfield which were a failing partnership – similar to Torres and Drogba a couple years back. Even though they were great as individuals, they didn’t work well as a unit. Even though Hiddink promised to integrate the youth, it took until the end of the season to see a youth debut.
There weren’t many highlights of the season, but the one moment that stood out was by a player who was non existent for majority of the year – Eden Hazard. The blues looked down and out against Spurs when they went 2-0 down at Stamford Bridge, this was when Hiddink brought on Eden Hazard at half time. The tricky midfielder dazzled the oppositions defence and when the game was 2-1, he took it by the scruff of the neck. The Belgian ran with the ball from half way, did a one-two with Costa and beautifully putting the ball top corner and ended Tottenham’s title hopes.
Player Ratings
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois – Average since his injury and has made a number of mistakes in important games, still a vital part of the team though. 6
Asmir Begovic – Been a great understudy to Courtois, performing when needed. The Bosnian was very inconsistent, performing well one week, making a mistake the next. 5
Defenders
Branislav Ivanovic – Dropped off a lot since last season, but showed signs of important in the latter stages of the season. 5
Cesar Azpilicueta – Normally a reliable player in the squad, Dave has slightly struggled this season and didn’t look his usual self in some important games. 6
John Terry – Mentored Zouma well in the first half of the season and continued to show leadership throughout the season. He may have played his last game for the club but he still remains a vital part of the team even though he is on the wrong side of his thirties. 6
Gary Cahill – Inconsistent all season. One minute he could pull off an incredible block, the next he will let a striker walk straight through the heart of the defence. 5
Kurt Zouma – Was incredible before his injury, shame his season was cut short by a horrendous injury. Made some incredible tackles during the season and could be huge player under Conte next season. 7
Matt Miazga – The American joined Chelsea in January and only made two appearances, so it was hard to give him a respectable rating. 4
Baba Rahman – Not the best first season for the Ghanaian but looked a lot better in the latter stages of the season. 5
Midfielders
Eden Hazard – A player who was missing for the majority of the season, stepped up when we needed him the most. I am sure he’ll be back bigger and better next season. 6
Cesc Fabregas – At one point in the season hated by the fans, but proved his worth and has become a candidate for captain if John Terry was to leave this summer. 7
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – The youngster struggled to cement a place in the first team but looked sharp whenever he had the chance. The young player of the year still have a lot to learn next season. 6
Nemanja Matic – Looked a completely different player this season and has dropped off massively; could be surplus for requirements in the summer. 5
John Obi Mikel – A key player under Hiddink and showed his true quality in the second half of the season. #TheAfricanZidane. 6
Oscar – Very inconsistent and found himself out of the side under Hiddink. Could be another player up for sale in the summer. 4
Pedro – The Spaniard struggled for the majority of the season but showed glimpses of quality throughout. Still needs to adapt to the league. 6
Willian – Our player of the season. Willian stepped up when we needed him the most, scoring important goals that kept the fans believing. Could be even better next season. 8
Kenedy – First season in England was reasonably successful, played in a number of positions and worked his socks off every time. Could be amazing when he adapts to the league more. 6
Forwards
Bertrand Traore – Struggled under Mourinho but was given the chance by Hiddink. Showed immense talent when he played but gets knocked off the ball too often. 6
Diego Costa – Another player who was considered a ‘snake’ showed his worth and ended the season on 16 goals. The club need to do whatever they can to keep the Spaniard at the club next season. 7
Loic Remy – Disinterested when played, often caught offside and could be surplus to requirements in the summer. 4
Pato – Brought in on loan in January, scored against Aston Villa and hasn’t played since Swansea. Hard to give a reasonable rating. 5
Falcao - No idea why the club signed him, been awful all when he played and was told he had no future at the club in January. 2Â
Overall it was a disappointing season for the blues, going into the history books for all the wrong reasons; becoming the worst title holders in the Premier league history, after finishing tenth in the following season. We are all looking forward to next season under Conte and hopefully the Italian can take us back to where the club belong and develop some youth in the process.
