Chelsea and the theft of 2014/15 EPL crown

                            Chelsea and the theft of 2014/15 EPL crown 

                                                                 By Laolu Olugbenga

The title of this piece describing the all-conquering Chelsea as the Thieves of Barclays Premier League diadem can be very confusing and misleading. Don’t mind my diabolical sense of humour! I just wanted to use the word “theft” to describe the Blues’ victory because they achieved it even before the final whistle is blown on the current season. In other words, they stole the Cup ahead of the close of the season.

The Blues are not the only squad in the current European seasons to steal trophies ahead of finishing of time. Bayern Munich have also clinched the 2014/15 Bundesliga silverware when the season is still running. They have 76 points with three games on hand. They are 14 points ahead of their closest challengers, Wolfsburg

By this theft, the Blues have recorded their fourth League title and third under the management of Jose Mourinho with a 1 - 0 defeat of Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge during the week. The win put them on 83 points with three games to play, and with second placed Arsenal on 70 points with four of their games to go, the Blues are now uncatchable. It is been a long way for Jose Mourinho’s men, and you can’t say they didn’t deserve it. The Blues played like champions, losing just two games to Tottenham and Newcastle. They also conceded the fewest goals in the division, letting in just 27 goals and keeping 17 clean sheets.

Rewind to last season and it was a different story altogether. Chelsea performed against the big teams, failing to lose a single game against the top four sides, but they were undone by the small teams, losing to the likes of Sunderland at the Bridge. It was Mourinho’s first season in charge, and he knew he needed to make a few changes if his side were to challenge the following season. The Blues were lacking creativity and firepower, and Jose moved swiftly to solve those problems.

In came Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa for 32 million pounds as well as former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas for 27 million. Both were tasked with helping the Blues return to the glory days, and both men lived up to expectations. Fabregas has made an impressive 17 assists, seven more than any other player this season. Diego Costa could have been lifting the Golden Boot if it wasn’t for injury, and he has still managed 20 goals this season nonetheless. They also added the League Cup to their collection as well as having six players in the PFA Team of the Year.

They didn’t have much luck in the Champions League, but Mourinho has his eyes set on it. The likely arrival of world class player next summer could set this team on their way to the summit of European football, and in Eden Hazard, they have a player who can put them up to the pinnacle. Just like the Happy One said, he expects this team to challenge for honours for the next few years, and he will remain at the club for as long as club owner, Roman Abrahmovic, wants him to. Indeed, Mourinho is the Happy One in England.

Up Blueeees!