Over the course of the season, players have caught the headlines for some outstanding performances and goals. Here at TheStamfordShed, our writers have been giving their thoughts on who they believe should be picking up certain awards. Do you agree with them?
Ryan Darby – For me, it has to Eden Hazard. The Belgian has stepped up to another level and I still believe we are yet to see the best of him. We have been over reliant on the winger at times this season, thankfully he has avoided any serious injury as of yet. He has been a joy to watch and for me has been a stand out contender.
Conor O’Connell – Eden Hazard – The Belgian is quite simply a joy to watch and has to be, alongside our Captain and close-second John Terry, the most consistent performer home and away this season. His ball control is unrivalled, combined with his acceleration and balance he can breeze past 3/4 opposing players in a flash. Ex-players clearly adore him, which is a good way to measure a player’s ability, and are running out of superlatives to describe Hazard’s performances. His importance is impossible to overstate, especially in the second half of the season when our form have dipped, he has been the one to take the game to the opposition by unlocking a defence with a cute through-ball, a mazy run or a well-taken goal. He has previously stated that his style is not one to record high figures in terms of goals and assists, such figures are the only obstacle to him challenging the likes of Messi and Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or.
Samuel Kelly – My player of the year has to go to John Terry. I know Eden has been racking up the plaudits for his amazing attacking prowess and consistency, but John has also played every game in the Premier league for us this season and would be the player we’d miss the most if he was out of the team. At 34 he’s not looked lethargic or tired at all, in fact he’s continued to get better. With the second best defence in the Premier League, leading that defence is something he’s done incredibly as per usual. Also it’s not hard to imagine his leadership is a key factor to us probably winning the league this season.
Evan McMurtrie – John Terry. The man has been an absolute rock in defence for us all season. John has played in almost every match… To be honest, I can’t remember any matches he hasn’t played! The point is, JT has been there for us every step of the way in what has been a very successful campaign. The man has shown no signs of aging. Sure, he isn’t the fastest centre-half out there but skill-wise he is top class and in my opinion the best in England. Without Terry, this season would have played out much differently for Chelsea.
Scott Crumbly – Hazard, who is favoured to win the FA POTY award, is the easy choice for Chelsea’s player of the year in 2014-15. The Belgian has accounted for 13 goals and eight assists in league play this year, and he has carried the team through to a 10-point advantage atop the table with six matches remaining. Chelsea rely greatly on Hazard to create, and he has not let them down, dazzling with his otherworldly dribbling skills and ability to change direction on a dime. Hazard has been the best player in England this season by a considerable margin.
Tyler Strauss – Hazard is the player of the year, because he has been the most vital to our success. He allows for our system of absorbing pressure to function. His counter attacks are what makes us able to gain 3 points instead of 1.
James Spiking – Chelsea’s POTY for me goes to one man, Eden Hazard. He has been outstanding and consistent all season, and has got us out from some sticky situations. His goals, skills, speed and desire to win have helped us out so many times this season, and is really showing what a talent he is.
Jamie Wilkinson – Eden Hazard, without a doubt. We’ve been through some periods this season where we’ve needed a lift, a moment of inspiration to pull us through – he has provided that time and time again. Being a season ticket holder myself, you can feel the anticipation in the ground when he has the ball at his feet. The best part is, he’s only going to get better.
Kyle Bennett – Eden Hazard. He’s been nothing short of amazing all season long. He’s been the difference-maker in well over 75 percent of our games this season.
Overall Winner – Eden Hazard
Ryan Darby – This has to go to Thibaut Courtois. Every time I watch the twenty two year old play, it staggers me how we can be at the level he is at that age. He has shown extraordinary levels of confidence and composure between the sticks.
Conor O’Connell – Thibaut Courtois – After what seemed an eternity out on loan, I was worried we would lose Courtois with Cech continuing to perform at the very highest level between the sticks. Courtois’ performances at Atlético Madrid suggested he was an elite goalkeeper, but the Premier League is a different animal to La Liga in terms of physicality. David de Gea might be a standout performer this season, but his first season saw him dropped by Alex Ferguson for Anders Lindegaard on a number of occasions to ‘protect’ him after a series of high-profile errors. Contrastingly, Courtois has taken to our league like a duck to water in his initial season and has been a revelation this season, with his starting position making it almost impossible for opposing teams to simply loft a ball into our box. At just 22, Courtois looks set to be at the top of goalkeeping, rivalling a certain Manuel Neuer, for years to come.
Samuel Kelly – Tough pick between Kurt Zouma and Thibaut Courtois. Thibaut has had an excellent first season, but for me, I expected that anyway. Kurt Zouma on the other hand has come on leaps and bounds, I was not expecting his contribution to be as much as it has this season. He’s been fantastic when called upon and his versatility has come in very handy. This guy has an incredible future ahead of him and his modesty in interviews just adds to the love I have for him. So for these reasons, I’m choosing Kurt Zouma.
Evan McMurtrie – This is a tough one for me, because I’m a huge fan of all of our many academy stars. However, my young player of the year has to be Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Before this season, I didn’t know who he was, and come the end of this season it’s hard not to know of the nineteen year old English lad, especially after how impressive he was in his first team debut (a Champions League match)! When playing for the academy, Ruben has looked like a man amongst boys – and that’s not just because of his physical stature; the kid has got skill. Mourinho has said that Loftus-Cheek will be fighting for a place in the first team next season, which makes me really excited for his future.
Scott Crumbly – Zouma has seen his influence grow more and more as the season has worn on, and he hasn’t disappointed. His most recent outing, a shutdown of Marouane Fellaini against Manchester United, can be filed next to his best performances of the season against the likes of Serio Agüero and Raheem Sterling. While he has looked promising at his natural position in the centre of defence, absorbing knowledge from John Terry, he has also slotted in the midfield on a number of occasions for CFC and performed superbly for a young player lining up in an unfamiliar position. His physical gifts are immense, and his performance this season as a defender and defensive midfielder have Chelsea supporters excited about his potential in the long term at Stamford Bridge.
Tyler Strauss – Courtois has been a rock in goal. To take the gloves from Cech is no easy feat, and game after game he has justified Mourinho’s decision.
James Spiking – Thibaut Courtois is only 22 years old. Therefore, our Belgian goalkeeper goes down as my YPOTY. Again, without big T-BO in between the sticks, we may have lost some of the closely fought games. He is alert 24/7. Yeah okay, he has made some mistakes, but who doesn’t. He has saved us far more teams than he has let us down. You can see the transformation in front of your eyes. The first time Mourinho came to Chelsea, he immediately replaced long serving Cudinici, with Cech, who lacked BPL experience. Now, he replaced long serving Cech, with Courtois who lacked BPL experience, but both have been immense when thrown straight into the deep in.
Jamie Wilkinson – Perhaps the easy choice here is Thibaut Courtois, who has been outstanding – but I’m opting for Kurt Zouma. José seemingly fell out of love with Cahill on New Year’s Day and Zouma was called upon. He started our next two games and we kept two clean sheets. He was outstanding for 120 minutes in the Capital One Cup semi-final home leg against Liverpool and remarkably was just as good in the final being played in midfield. He was used in this role again against United and nullified the threat of Fellaini all game. He’s going to be a very important player for us for the next decade.
Kyle Bennett – Kurt Zouma. He has impressed nearly every time he has touched the pitch. His willingness and adaptability to play as a defensive midfielder has helped Mourinho & co. this season. He has also proven that he can be a viable replacement for Gary Cahill next season.
Overall Winner – Kurt Zouma
Ryan Darby – There’s only one choice. It came in our first game against Burnley, obviously Andre Schurrle’s goal. The goal has been one of the most talked about goals all season, largely thanks to the excellent disguised pass from Cesc Fabregas. As well as this, Andre Schurrle’s great finish often goes unrecognized. The German still had a lot to do and took the pass very well.
Conor O’Connell – Oscar vs QPR (H) – I have gone for yet another moment of brilliance from Oscar, piping a beautiful team goal away at Burnley, finished by the departed André Schürrle. The sheer audacity shown by the crafty Brazilian to hit the ball from the edge of the area with the outside of his boot, setting the ball outside the frame of the goal and knowing it would drift in off the post was in one word, marvellous. Such an exquisite finish left both Robert Green and the crowd bewildered, but not José Mourinho: “The goal is not impossible in a very talented boy.”
Samuel Kelly – For me, this season hasn’t quite had as many screamers as we’d usually have. Yet we have had some beautiful goals, expertly crafted. I may be missing quite a few here but I have to go with my gut. The first two that sprung to mind was, Schurrle vs Burnley or Costa vs Arsenal. I’m going to have to go with Schurrle vs Burnley. The precision in which Cesc fooled everyone with his pass to assist the goal is for me one of the best passes I’ve seen in a very long time
Evan McMurtrie – Oscar’s goal at The Bridge against QPR is easily the goal of the year in my book. It was like something straight out of a video game… The way he was able to run onto that perfectly weighted Fàbregas through ball and hit it with the outside of his foot with such power and precision from such a tight angle makes it an unforgettable one for me. Get in son!
Scott Crumbly – With Chelsea leading Arsenal 1-0 in the second half of an early season run-in at Stamford Bridge, Costa did well just to field a stellar long ball from fellow newcomer Cesc Fàbregas, handling the first touch with his chest and playing it down neatly in front of his feet. With Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny racing out to challenge, Costa coolly – and almost arrogantly – chipped the keeper to clinch three points and send the Bridge into frenzy. It was one of many early season goals for Costa, but the combination of his first touch and excellent finish make it my goal of the season for the Blues.
Tyler Strauss – The goal of the year was Hazard’s finish against Maribor. The play started with a 50-yard long pass from Nathan Ake. Hazard took a perfect first touch to settle it, go around a defender, and put it past the keeper.
James Spiking – My goal of the year goes to Cesc Fabregas’ goal at Selhurst Park, vs. Crystal Palace. It might not have been the best finish, but the build-up play, and precision of the strike to beat the ‘keeper were both immense. Slick passing, with quick one-two’s and baffling the defenders, led to Fabregas having some space in the box to put the ball in the net, and send Julian Speroni the wrong way. Immense goal.
Jamie Wilkinson – For me it has to be Willian vs Everton. Not only was it a brilliant strike on the half volley but it won us a really important three points. At that moment you could see from the celebrations the players, they knew that we were going to be champions.
Kyle Bennett – For me, it’s got to be Schurrle’s goal against Burnley. Everything about that goal is perfect. Take one player out, and it doesn’t work. The run from Hazard beats two defenders in tight space, Ivanovic drew out two defenders when he received the pass from Hazard, which makes the Schurrle run possible, the pass on the half-volley from Fabregas was simply world class, and the finish from Schurrle was stunning. Re-watching that goal approximately 95 times while writing that was beyond enjoyable. As if our team didn’t look scary enough going in to the season, scoring this goal in our first game of the season really set the tone for the entire Premier League season, for both Chelsea and the other 19 teams in the top flight.
Overall Winner – Schurrle – Burnley (A)
Ryan Darby – I am going for our 0-5 thrashing of Swansea. It was a perfect performance from the Blue’s and they did not let Swansea play at all. To score four goals in quick succession in the first half, shows the level of dominance Chelsea had during the game.
Conor O’Connell – Everton 3-6 Chelsea (A) – Goals galore at Goodison Park, oh how I wish I was in attendance. Chelsea’s 6-3 victory was the joint seventh highest scoring match in Premier League History. After goals from Diego Costa and Branislav Ivanović put the blues 2-0 up within just 3 minutes, it seemed as though a comfortable away victory was on the cards. Quite the opposite took place as this thriller had everything: Own goals (Seamus Coleman), confrontations between players (Diego Costa vs Coleman & Tim Howard), and a goal against a former team (Eto’o). But Diego Costa’s second to round off the win and his subsequent celebration was the icing on the cake for me.
Samuel Kelly – Everton 3-6 Chelsea without a doubt. The game had me sweating at the pits, squeaky bum time the whole game. Thibaut’s save against Miralles was exquisite and if not for that save, who knows which way the game would have went? For me, that game was so exciting on so many levels and that’s the attacking football I want to see. Even if our defence should have played better!
Evan McMurtrie – Immediately what sprung to mind is the 6-3 against Everton that took place in the beginning of the season. We started so well, scoring twice within the first three minutes of the match before Mirallas disappointingly drew one back just before halftime. The second half was an absolute rollercoaster ride that was filled with both celebration and disgust. Hazard broke down the left hand side and forced an OG, and I thought the game was done and dusted at 3-1. Two minutes later Naismith scored, and five minutes later Matić netted an absolute bullet off the post and in that made me jump from my seat. Just two minutes later, Eto’o came on to face us after leaving in the summer, jumped into the mix for a set-piece and his first action of the game, and immediately headed home. Chelsea went right back up the other end and answered back again within sixty seconds! However last goal of the game, which came in the ninetieth, was the icing on the cake. Muhamed Besic came on to make his Everton debut, and his first touch was an absolute failure of a trick he attempted to pull off. John Obi Mikel scooped up the mishandled ball and back heeled it to Costa, who rounded the keeper and placed it into the net. He then proceeded to sprint to the away end and pound his fist in celebration. What a moment, what a match. My favourite of the season by far.
Scott Crumbly – This match was a bit concerning in the early parts of the season because of the three goals Chelsea conceded, but it was easily the wildest match the Blues played this season, winning 6-3 away against Everton. Things started quickly with Costa scoring the opener in the first minute, and the chaos only escalated from there. The two sides traded goals at an insane pace, combining for five goals in an 11-minute span at one point in the second half. In the end, it was Costa who put it away for CFC again, beating a defender and slotting home through Tim Howard’s legs for Chelsea’s fifth and final score in an incredibly entertaining shootout that featured fireworks and flaring tempers.
Tyler Strauss – For me, the match of the year was Chelsea v Liverpool in the second leg of the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup. Courtois lead Chelsea past Liverpool with an exceptional game. Ivanovic scored a brilliant header in overtime to break the deadlock. Also, this game lead to us winning out first trophy since the Europa league.
James Spiking – Easy. Everton 3-6 Chelsea. Not only is it Chelsea’s Match of the Year, but probably up there with the season’s best in the whole of the Premier League. It was so end-to-end, at times it was frustrating. You won’t beat that game. Seriously, have you ever seen a back heel assist from Mikel before?
Jamie Wilkinson – Comfortably the 6-3 victory at Goodison Park. We started emphatically with two goals in the first three minutes and the madness escalated from there. It wasn’t enjoyable to watch as a fan, our defence and midfield were all over the place, but on reflection it epitomized what the Premier League is all about. John Obi Mikel’s back-heel assist was probably the most memorable moment of the entire game (and season).
Kyle Bennett – As gut-wrenching as it was to watch unfold as a Chelsea fan, the 6-3 game against Everton was so enjoyable. Watching the team’s battle for momentum, wondering who was going to score the next goal, all of it was just enjoyable.
Overall Winner – Everton 3-6 Chelsea
Ryan Darby – I am going to pick Diego Costa, which may be quite controversial over Cesc Fabregas. However, since Didier Drogba left the club in 2012, the club has struggled to replace the iconic striker. In Costa we have a striker than can score all types of goals and score them consistently. His aggression has caught the headlines but it gives us an added fear factor. As well as an infectious work rate, Costa has done sublime for his first season in England.
Conor O’Connell –Diego Costa – Following the striking woes of Fernando Torres, Chelsea fans welcomed the arrival of Costa for £32 million with open arms. Chants of ‘Diego’ ring around the Bridge whenever he is present and for good reason. Costa is a real throwback in today’s modern game; charging defenders, running the channels and incorporating some of the dark arts of the game, he has led the Chelsea forward line with aplomb. His goals have been crucial too, all 20 of them, as well as his tireless work rate. One could argue we would have one the League last season if we had this man leading the attack. The only downside of his game has been his hamstring injury, the same injury that plagued him in the latter stages of the season at Atlético.
Samuel Kelly – Toughest question out of the lot. I personally don’t think we’d be top of this table if we signed Cesc but not Costa, and vice versa. Both have contributed heavily for us and it’s so hard to choose. So because of this, I have to look for another reason. There’s nothing more I love than seeing Arsenal fans cry, so for this reason, Cesc Fabregas. For the price, a bargain. For the fact everyone thought him and Jose hated each other. For the fact Arsenal hated seeing him join us. These reasons are the only ones that set him apart from Diego. So Cesc Fabregas is my signing of the season.
Evan McMurtrie – Diego Costa without a doubt. Last summer, Chelsea so desperately needed nothing more than an overhaul of their strike force, and that is exactly what José did. Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o, and Demba Ba were replaced with Diego Costa, Loic Remy, and Didier Drogba. Diego Costa is the star striker Chelsea have needed since Drogba first left three years ago – especially after Torres ultimately failed to live up to his £50 million price tag. Diego has brought the Blues attitude, physicality, and controversially up front; not to mention his cold-bloodedness in front of goal. Without his goals who knows where we’d be. Plus, he’s still in contention for the Premier League Golden Boot. Let’s hope he gets fit and wins it!
Scott Crumbly – Diego Costa. Chelsea were title contenders a season ago and the biggest reason the Blues weren’t able to claim the league crown was their weakness at the front. The summer signing of Costa from Atlético Madrid for £32 million rectified that problem, and Costa proved himself to be a perfect fit for the Premiership with his physical, aggressive style. While Fàbregas, the league’s assist leader, was a great signing in his own right, Costa’s influence up front pushes him to the top in my opinion. Had it not been for some untimely injuries and a suspension in the middle of the season, Costa would have had a great shot at the Golden Boot, although he is still not out contention with 19 goals on the season.
Tyler Strauss – The signing of the year is without a doubt, Diego Costa. Although Fabregas has been brilliant, Costa has scored all of the goals that Torres and Eto’o did not last season. His goals were ones that needed a striker’s touch, and Costa was there. He has been the major difference in our title hopes this season.
James Spiking – Tough one. Do you say Cesc Fabregas, or do you say Diego Costa. For me, I have to go with Diego. Cesc has had that 2nd half of the season dip in form, whereas Diego Costa has been far more consistent (when he isn’t injured). Also, this is Diego’s first ever season in the Premier League, and he sure has set it alight.
Jamie Wilkinson – As much as it pains me to overlook Diego, Cesc Fabregas is my pick for signing of the year. Since Daniel Levy rejected our £40M bid for Luka Modric in 2011, we have been searching for an elite midfielder who could not only replace Lampard, but control a game in a manner even he couldn’t – last summer we found one. Signing Fabregas seemed like mission impossible, but with the aid of Mourinho’s personal interventions we pulled it off; and haven’t looked back. He won’t beat Thierry Henry’s assist record this season, but to get close has been an achievement in its own right. In September he completed an unbelievable 144 passes against Aston Villa, at that moment I knew that we had found the man to bring us the title.
Kyle Bennett – Cesc Fabregas. He has been so vital for us this season. Many fans have complained about his drop-off during the second half of the season, but I think a lot of that is because he has played as our #10 – a position which I think his abilities are lessened by playing at – many times during the second half of the season. Regardless, we wouldn’t be where we’re at without him.
Overall Winner – Diego Costa
Team of the Year?
Ryan Darby – Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Fabregas, Matic, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Costa.
Conor O’Connell – Courtois, Ivanović, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta ,Fàbregas, Matić, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Costa.
Samuel Kelly – Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Evan McMurtrie – Courtois, Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic, Matić, Fàbregas, Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Costa.
Scott Crumbly – Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fàbregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Tyler Strauss – Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpi, Matic, Zouma, Willian, Fabregas, Hazard, Costa.
James Spiking – Courtois; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Terry, Ivanovic; Matic, Fabregas; Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Costa.
Jamie Wilkinson – Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Kyle Bennett – Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Overall Winner –
Thank you to all of those who took part and gave their opinions in this article. If you would like to get involved on Twitter and give them all your opinion, you can find them at @RyanDarby_, @Conor_OConnell, @Samuel_Kelly, @EvanMcMurtrie, @ScottCrumbly, @tyler_strauss_, @JamesTCZ, @ParkedTheBus , @KBJelly.
Also a massive thank you to @KaneBrooker for making the beautiful graphics!
