After 62 games of highs, lows, injuries, COVID, VAR checks, Sky Italia interviews, sanctions, more VAR checks and more injuries, we have reached the end of Chelsea’s season.
With one more game left to play out on Sunday afternoon against an already relegated Watford, and with Champions League qualification and third-place secure, this really is the tamest end to a season full of drama.
By the time Chelsea bid farewell to the 2021/22 campaign, the hope will be they would have sent exhausted minds home happy with a win, one that would capture a ninth at home of the campaign.
It is quite remarkable that Chelsea’s likely highest points tally since their last title win will be balanced with one of their poorest home record.
Even the 66-point haul to qualify for the Champions League under Frank Lampard in 2019/20 brought with it 11 wins at the Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel has stressed the impact of key injuries to his squad this season.
It reflects the continuing gap between Chelsea and the league’s top two, who could reach 15 wins for the season at home on Sunday – no matter who lifts the trophy.
On the final day against an already relegated opponent, I would expect more rotation than on Thursday.
Though given the final outings for the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, if the Danish defender is available, it would be nice to see both get one final appearance.
This could also be the final match for more players like Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcos Alonso, Jorginho and any of the attackers who have been linked away at several points during the season.
As was pointed out on Thursday, the inclusion of an academy talent like Harvey Vale would be refreshing over names on the bench who are unlikely to have any significant future under Tuchel.
It probably feels a long time ago for Watford when the reverse fixture in December at Vicarage Road gave Chelsea several problem.
That game, although a slim 2-1 win, was actually the start of the Blues’ slide in the title dream.
The predictable manager merry-go-round continues, even more farcical than Chelsea’s and looks to have finally caught up with The Hornet.
Even with parachute payments, the likes of Emmanuel Dennis, Ismaila Sarr and Cucho Hernandez could all be off this summer, with a difficult job ahead for newly appointed coach Rob Edwards, who just got Forest Green promoted from League.
A nice word for Roy Hodgson, who will be retiring from coaching after Sunday’s gam
A true gentleman and valued peer in the game, one who will hopefully get a nice reception from both sets of supporters on Sunday.
Probably the least animated anyone will get about a lineup this season, given the low stakes for this game.
A change to a 4-2-2-2, some players getting their farewells, and hopefully some exciting attacking play and goals, something Thursday’s draw with Leicester severely lacked. e.y.e.2.s.m.s.l.n.e.y.y.n.e.s.n.a.draw with Leicester severely lacked.