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30 Greatest Teams in Premier League History

By Benjamin Taylor

Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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13. Chelsea, 2009-10

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Frank Lampard of Chelsea (R) celebrates with Didier Drogba (L) as he scores their thrid goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on April 25, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Frank Lampard of Chelsea (R) celebrates with Didier Drogba (L) as he scores their thrid goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on April 25, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images) /

Starting XI: P. Cech (GK); B. Ivanovic, R. Carvalho, J. Terry, A. Cole; J. O. Mikel, F. Lampard, M. Ballack; N. Anelka, D. Drogba, F. Malouda.

It’s not often that a new manager arrives at a club, makes just one notable signing (Yuri Zhirkov, a backup left back), and yet produces arguably the most successful season in the club’s history. In 2009, that’s exactly what Carlo Ancelotti achieved at Chelsea.

In this case, a settled, experienced squad was exactly what the doctor ordered. For a club who had built a reputation for splashing cash, it was also a break from the norm. But in reality, there were no real gaps to be filled in the Chelsea squad. Ivanovic had supplanted Bosingwa as first choice right back, but the back five was otherwise unchanged; the midfield three was a fantastic blend of solidity, strength, and technical ability; and the front three was, quite simply, unstoppable. And if Liverpool lacked depth in 2008-09, Chelsea in 2009-10 were the complete opposite: options on the bench included Michael Essien, Joe Cole, Deco, Salomon Kalou, as well as quality defensive backups like Alex and Paulo Ferreira.

A stacked squad brimming with proven quality, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Ancelotti’s men secured a Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010.

Next: No. 12

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