Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace: The Talking Points – Mourinho Victorious

In the second year of Jose Mourinho’s second stint at Chelsea he ended the Blues five year weight for their fifth league win and first since 2010. In what proved to be the performance symbolising much their season since the turn of the year, an Eden Hazard penalty was enough to see off a plucky Crystal Palace on Sunday. Co-Editor Kevin Kelly discusses some of the resulting talking points below.

John Terry Has The Last Laugh:

Like manager, like captain, John Terry was quick to get a dig in at ex-Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez when the game ended, just like Jose Mourinho made some dubious comments about Pep Guardiola. John Terry too admitted there were times when he feared he had celebrated his last Premier League title before the return of Jose Mourinho.

“It’s been five years since the last title, too long. When you’re seeing other teams win it when you’re pushing them right to the end, like we did last year … well, at times I did wonder whether that one in 2010 would be my last one. It’s felt like a long time watching other teams do it”, said Terry.

Terry suggested Mourinho had been key to this year’s title race, the Portuguese adapting the team’s style shrewdly when injuries and suspensions threatened progress over the second half of the season.

“The way we started the season was really exciting. After the West Bromwich Albion game [in November], Cesc came away saying it was the best football he’s played and for him to say that, having been at Barça and in some of the biggest teams in the world, made everyone listen”, the Captain explained.

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Pardew – Underrated Manager:

Having left Newcastle earlier in the season to take over the reigns at former club Crystal Palace not many found the move of any interest; but fast forward four months and the plight of Newcastle, juxtaposed with the improved form of Palace, and we begin to get a clear illustration of the underrates qualities of Pardew.

The Eagles has amassed 25 points in their last 15 Premier League games. They have though, lost three consecutive games. Only three weeks ago Pardew’s men were the victors against Manchester City.

The Palace boss experimented with his starting line-up in recent weeks, with Yannick Bolasie up top and Mutch in behind through the middle.

“We tried to throw some problems on the pitch for Chelsea,” said Pardew. “They were very focused but we created some good stuff.

“Jason Puncheon had a good game. If we had got the first goal it might have been a very different game.

“I thought they were a bit nervous in the last 15 minutes and I’m a little disappointed we didn’t capitalize on that”, said Pardew.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

Mourinho Has Lead Blues To Deserving Title:

While claims that Chelsea are ‘boring’ are open to interpretation, one matter is not up for debate; that the Blues are deserving champions. While the rest of the chasing pack have stuttered and stumbled, the way in which Jose Mourinho’s side have nonchalantly strode across the finish line to claim their fourth Premier League title shows they have been the best side in the league, much thanks to the unerring management of Jose Mourinho.

Following the 5-3 defeat to Tottenham on New Years’ Day that Mourinho decided to err on the side of caution and it is such foresight, in light of inevitable criticism, why Mourinho will always be a relentless winner. Boring Chelsea the Arsenal fans chanted recently – well they may have scored 100 goals this season, but the still lag behind the Blues haul of 105 in all competitions.