A selection of Chelsea’s best results of 2020, from extinguishing old foes, to executing both sides of Manchester, and a ‘four’ gone conclusion in Spain.
There are simply no synonyms, adjectives, metaphors, or illustrations to accurately summarize 2020. For many, isolation or separation have controlled their lives, suffering individually or witnessing friends and family fall to a similar, saddening fate.
Football has provided a slither of saving grace, allowing a release for a few hours from the trials and tribulations of everyday life, bringing together a sense of community that is more poignant and important than ever before.
Within the miniature microcosm that is the sporting community, Chelsea’s past 12 months have been pretty good. Finishing in the top four and reaching an FA Cup final in Frank Lampard’s first season, the Blues have flexed their financial muscles by strengthening across the pitch, turning them into potential title challengers, yet this statement has sagged over the last couple of weeks.
Although it has certainly not all been plain sailing, here is a rundown of Chelsea’s standout results from the last year.
3 March: Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool
Just as Liverpool looked like they were going to whitewash the Premier League, Watford sent shockwaves throughout the country by landing the runner way leaders first league defeat on the 29th of February, ending a streak of 18 successive victories.
An FA Cup trip to Stamford Bridge loomed large for the Reds, a chance for Jurgen Klopp to rebound from this minor blip at the ground of their aged rival. All the onus was on the visitors, yet it was Chelsea who flew above the Liverbird into the next round via a very satisfying display under the West London lights.
An enthralling evening began with Adrian fumbling Willian’s effort into his own net on the 13th minute to put the Blues in front. This gave a startling juxtaposition to the performance of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was outstanding for Chelsea in spite of his unconvincing form, making several important stops to keep his clean sheet intact and, momentarily, his credibility. His triplet of saves to deny Sadio Mane, Divock Origi, and Curtis Jones was especially pleasing, demonstrating a small portion of the world-record fee forked out for him by Maurizio Sarri.
Billy Gilmour was also exceptional, the young Scotsman controlling a midfield alongside and against players vastly his senior. Ross Barkley added the icing to the Chelsea cake by driving in the decisive goal from range, made so much sweeter by his Evertonian background. Pedro and Olivier Giroud both had chances to extend their lead, but the Blues were all smiles come the final whistle, having overcome Europe’s most destructive outfit.
8 March: Chelsea 4-0 Everton
Aside from the swashbuckling scoreline, this day will be remembered as the last game played at the Bridge before the interruption of COVID19. An unheard-of 40,000 fans piled in to watch Chelsea dismantle their guests, a sight they would be denied for over nine months.
The now distant sound of supporters clapping and celebrating was matched by the Blues fluid exhibition in front of their former manager, Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian would’ve been proud had his Chelsea team of a decade ago put on such a clinically impressive showing, all of their goals finished with confidence and precision.
Mason Mount’s deft left-footed touch onto his right and shot into the bottom corner set the tone for the afternoon, the Blues advantaged doubled mid-way through the first half after Barkley played through Pedro who calmly placed the ball under Jordan Pickford.
Chelsea was equally as rampant after the interval, Willian arrowing past the outstretched glove of the Toffees ‘keeper six minutes into the second period. Giroud made it a fab four moments later, expertly latching on to the end of Willian’s cross to seal three, deserved points, alongside cementing themselves in the top four and giving another glimpse into the repertoire of Gilmour, the 18-year-old making his full league debut in confident fashion.