The coronation has been a protracted process but the wait is almost over. Chelsea, who have topped the table since the third weekend of the season in August, need just one more win to claim their first Premier League crown in five years. Defeat Crystal Palace on Sunday and the champions-elect will become the champions.
Wednesday night’s fixture looked an awkward one for Jose Mourinho’s side. Leicester City, buoyed by four straight wins over West Ham, West Brom, Swansea City and Burnley and backed by a boisterous home crowd, desperately needed the points in the fight to fulfil their own objectives. The rain began to hammer down almost on the sound of the referee’s first whistle and Leicester piled on the early pressure. Lesser teams may have rolled over, particularly when Mark Albrighton opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time.
The best sides, it is often said, can both outplay and outfight opponents. If the first half of Chelsea’s season was focused on the former, with some scintillating attacking football produced in victories over Everton, Tottenham and Swansea, the post-Christmas segment has been more about the latter.
Some have labelled them “boring”, frustrated at the reactive approach and perceived lack of attacking intent in big games, but it is perhaps more accurate to describe Chelsea as multifunctional. Even when the Blues are not at their sparkling best, they are still immensely difficult to get the better of.
That was the case at the King Power Stadium, where Nigel Pearson’s high-energy outfit performed well but left empty-handed. Chelsea, in truth, were pretty lacklustre in the first period, their passing not as sharp usual and their counter-attacks not as clinical. Leicester, bright and purposeful, deserved their lead.
It was the first time that Chelsea had trailed in the league since New Year’s Day, when Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham ran out 5-3 winners at White Hart Lane. While they may not be accustomed to coming from behind, it does not mean that it is beyond their capability, as the Foxes soon found to their cost.
Chelsea began the second period on the front foot, Didier Drogba drawing them level just three minutes after play had resumed. The Ivorian could have had another soon after, blazing over from a good position.
More chances were spurned but John Terry’s 79th-minute strike felt inevitable. Gary Cahill powered high above his marker to nod Cesc Fabregas’ corner towards the goal and his captain, who was on hand to bundle the ball home from close-range.
Ramires, always willing to sacrifice himself for the team, took centre stage moments later, smashing in an unstoppable effort with his weaker left foot to make sure of the three points.
It was the perfect kind of victory for this side, a triumph for the collective as well as its composite individual parts. Eden Hazard, deservedly voted PFA Player of the Year on Sunday night, has become more decisive this term, evolving from an ethereal, peripheral talent into a central figure and genuine matchwinner. He was relatively quiet here, but Willian stepped up, demonstrating superb pace and acceleration in driving his side forward on the counter.
Nemanja Matic was typically solid and sturdy at the base of midfield, while Cesc Fabregas roamed into dangerous positions and Branislav Ivanovic showcased his offensive credentials down the right flank. Petr Cech, recalled to the starting line-up after spending much of the season on the bench, looked like he had never been away.
This victory will probably not placate the critics who call for more expansive football, more risk-taking and more regard for the neutral. Chelsea had their moments, but this was professional above all else: as has been the case for much of 2015, Jose Mourinho’s side did enough to win without leaving a lasting memory, an endearing moment of some otherworldly display of footballing beauty. Once again, the team from west London simply got the job done.
The “boring” tag is a matter of opinion. What is not up for debate is that Chelsea are the Premier League’s best side and deserving title winners.
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