Chelsea FC posted a convincing 3-1 win over Sunderland to end their league campaign on a high. The visiting side took the lead in the 26th minute. Steven Fletcher netted the opening goal of the match for Sunderland. Diego Costa scored the equalising goal in the 37th minute from the penalty spot. French forward Loic Remy then completed a brace in the second half to guide Chelsea to a fantastic win. The goals were scored in 7oth and 88th minute.
The home side could have taken the lead as early as in the 5th minute if Didier Drogba had not missed a sitter from Willian’s low cross. Sunderland were mostly dependent on counter-attacks, and they imposed continuous threats on the Chelsea defense.
Sunderland took the lead in the 26th-minute courtesy Steven Fletcher’s header. Adam Johnson floated a wonderful cross which went pass John Terry and found Fletcher. The Scottish striker converted the header with ease.
Didier Drogba had started the game, which was supposed to be his last ever Premier League game for the Blues. After conceding the early goal, Mourinho replaced club legend Drogba with Diego Costa at the half hour mark. The Chelsea players showed great respect for the legend as they carried him on their shoulders to the sidelines. The change proved to be a success. Juan Cuadrado was brought down inside the penalty box by John Oshea and a penalty was awarded immediately. Costa comfortably netted the equaliser from the spot.
In the second half, Jose Mourinho had replaced Cuadrado with French forward Loic Remy to add more flair to the attack force. Once again, his decision did wonders for the team as Remy scored his first goal of the match from Eden Hazard’s pass. Remy took a grounder which easily went inside the goal.
As the game reached its penultimate moment, Nemanja Matic ran down the flank with ease and passed the ball to Loic Remy who just had to tap it in. Chelsea have remained unbeaten at home as they lifted their fifth Premier League title.
About the win, Jose Mourinho said: a The game was good, they came for a result, we didna t want to celebrate without a point, we didna t want to lose the game, so when they scored before us we had to react.
a The second half was good, a lower tempo than normal, but we showed the qualities from our best period of the season so it was good to see that dynamic.
a After that, celebrations are always celebrations, the big emotion is when you clinch the title but when you have the cup in your hand ita s always a great feeling. After five years without that at Stamford Bridge, it was time for our supporters to enjoy it as well.a
The gaffer also explained why he replaced Drogba within 30 minutes. He said: ‘It was because he had a problem with his knee, in normal conditions he wouldna t play the game. He did because it was his last and he wanted to be on the pitch. It was Johna s desire to give him the armband and for the players to bring him from the pitch was up to them, they like him a lot. He was part of the other team, but he is also part of the new Chelsea. He was very good for the young players like Hazard, Willian and Oscar, they learn from good examples and he made a fantastic contribution for us this season.a
The Portuguese manager further added that he is hopeful that this team can achieve success in the years to come.
a The teams of 2004/05 and 2005/06, and also after that, were fantastic teams and players. This team is at the beginning, they have won one Capital One Cup and one Premier League, they have to win more to be better than that. You can win something in a certain moment and thata s it, or you can win on a regular basis, thata s what makes the difference. Leta s try to motivate them to do that.a