Chelsea could play title clincher once again on Thursday
A few seasons removed from winning the title for Leicester City, Chelsea could decide the title at Stamford Bridge once again.
Throughout the early 2000’s it seems as if the Blues have played one of three roles in the Premier League: winners, contenders or title deciders. Chelsea has won five titles since 2004-05, finishing in the top three 12 times during that span. Further, the Blues have played some crucial roles in deciding the title race and for the second time in the last four years, they look set to play kingmaker.
When Manchester City travels to Stamford Bridge mid-week, Chelsea can decide the fate of the title with a positive result should Liverpool beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
After failing to capture all three points in the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool drew out its long-awaited title celebrations. The Reds’ magic number to clinch the Premier League for the first time dropped to five. With City demolishing Burnley, that number remained. However, assuming Jurgen Klopp’s side take care of business at Anfield on Wednesday, a Chelsea win over City the following day would see Liverpool named champions of England.
The last time the Blues decided a title for a team outside of the match was May 2, 2016. In that match, the Blues took on rivals Tottenham in a match known to many as The Battle of the Bridge. Eden Hazard scored a late equalizer that broke Spurs hearts and energized fans around the league as Chelsea eliminated Tottenham from title contention. Consequently, Leicester City won the Premier League title in one of the biggest underdog stories in football history.
Now, Chelsea has a chance to etch its name in the history books once again. Liverpool, being one of the most historic clubs in world football, has yet to win a Premier League title since the league’s creation in 1992. The Reds haven’t finished atop the domestic league since 1989-90, so the day Liverpool clinches its title is going to be remembered for years to come. At this point, it’s a ‘when’, not an ‘if’; Liverpool is going to win the title. The question is now whether or not Chelsea will be involved.
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In addition, Chelsea coming away with three points against City would go a long way in securing top four this season. The Blues have enjoyed their first year under Frank Lampard, exceeding supporters’ expectations on many fronts. Finishing in a Champions League place would go a long way in furthering the club’s rise back to the top of English football.