David Luiz
A three day period of peace is decimated by the howling wind and the stinging rain of a senile and wizened Fergal Coen who foretells a bad omen that will plague Highfields; a foreboding and brooding force that can make Satan brown his undergarments. The inhabitants of Highfields dismiss Fergal's foretelling. Their ignorance comes at a cost.
Once more Chelsea finished the season in triumph as they turned Baku blue. The euphoric Europa League victory over Arsenal ensured a 10th major trophy in 10 years. No English side has enjoyed more success in the last decade. It crowned a campaign that witnessed the Blues return to Premier League prominence as they delivered some stunning displays. Maurizio Sarri's side when all the way to Wembley, beating Liverpool and Tottenham before penalties cruelly denied them in the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City. Cesar Azpilicueta proved the inspirational on-pitch leader of a team that combined the quality and experience of World Cup winners N'Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud with the exciting young talents of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. As ever, Eden Hazard was at his beguiling, brilliant best, reaching a century of goals for the Club.
Chelsea have developed that winning habit of ending the season in glory. The Blues' eighth FA Cup triumph arrived in a campaign which once again delivered excitement in abundance. There was class, craft and commitment throughout Antonio Conte's side. From the wizardry of Eden Hazard to the non-stop dynamic displays of N'Golo Kante and the all-action performances from Marcos Alonso, which earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year, there was rarely opportunity to take breath. Established stars Thibaut Courtois, Willian and Cesc Fabregas lined up alongside new boys Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud, as Chelsea approached a new era. There was drama from start to finish, in a season full of unforgettable moments that began and ended in Wembley, with victory over Manchester United confirming a fourth major honour in four years.
38 games, 30 wins. Record-breaking Chelsea are the kings of English football once again, Premier League champions for a fifth time. Masterminded by an Italian genius Antonio Conte, who wore his heart on his sleeve, kicking every ball, making every tackle and celebrating every goal, the Blues have been reshaped into a formidable force. And the Bridge waved goodbye to a legend. John Terry's emotional farewell brought the curtain down on a fantastic career and a sensational season.
Back at the club he loves and back with the fans who love him, José Mourinho returned to provide a captivating season from beginning to the very end. A squad that included legends Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Čech combined with the attacking talent of Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar formed the nucleus of a terrifically talented team, guided by a tactical mastermind. In the Barclays Premier League, the Blues outplayed and outmanoeuvred their closest rivals in the biggest games, with stunning doubles over Manchester City and Liverpool, and comprehensive victories against Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal. In the UEFA Champions League, a reunion with Didier Drogba followed a dramatic, last gasp win over PSG took Chelsea to the brink of another European final.
After an eventful season Chelsea fans were once again able to enjoy the sweet taste of success. Having already won the Champions League and Cup Winners' Cup, Chelsea's Europa League glory this season made them the first English side to join the elite band of clubs who have completed the European treble. Throughout the season Chelsea contested 8 different trophies and played in a record-breaking number of matches (69!). Memorable results included reaching the semi-finals in both the FA Cup and League Cup, as well as clinching an automatic Champions League spot following a tense battle for 3rd place between three London rivals. The 2012/13 season also saw Frank Lampard rewrite club history yet again by surpassing Bobby Tambling and becoming the all-time leading goalscorer with 203 goals; a record that will likely stand for many years to come.
The club completed an historic double, lifting The FA Cup and becoming newly crowned champions of Europe, lifting the coveted Champions League trophy following years of heartbreak, after beating four times winners Bayern Munich at their home ground in one of the most exciting Finals in recent times. A season that promised so much with the appointment of new manager André Villas-Boas looked to be heading towards disappointment as Chelsea's league and European form faltered. However, under Chelsea old boy and club legend Roberto Di Matteo, installed as interim first team coach, the incredible spirit of the club shone through with Chelsea putting together two sensational cup runs which will stay with their fans forever. Every match and every goal from this unforgettable season are covered in this action-packed review.
