Chelsea 0-0 Norwich City – Toothless Chelsea out the title race

Chelsea 0-0 Norwich City: Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side failed to break down a defensive Norwich side in their final home game of the season.

The result effectively ends Chelsea’s hopes of winning the Premier League title, despite it’s not yet being mathmatically confirmed.

Mourinho left Eden Hazard out of the starting lineup after fatal mistakes in midweek, and also started Ashley Cole yet again at left back.

Lampard and Matic lined up in midfield with Schurrle, Willian and Salah starting behind Demba Ba.

Chelsea, once again, failed to beat a side who sit well below them in the table and it is now no wins in three home games in all competitions.

The game started off slowly and Chelsea failed to find a breakthrough against a Norwich side who themselves needed the three points in order to get their relegation fight on track.

It was a game that had a real ‘last home game of the season’ feel, with a subdued atmosphere and both teams starting slowly with the majority of action coming in midfield areas.

Schurrle had many of Chelsea’s best efforts, lashing on to a loose ball but firing straight at John Ruddy, before hitting the post after a curling shot following a good run.

John Ruddy denied the German winger once more before the half-time break, as well as a penalty shot for both sides as Norwich’s Martin Olsson was fouled by John Terry and Demba Ba clattered by Turner.

The second half also saw the introduction of Eden Hazard and a slight increase in Chelsea’s play which was very laboured during the first period.

However, as Chelsea became more of a threat, Norwich simply put more men behind the ball and defended well enough to keep Mourinho’s men out.

The Canaries also had a few chances of their own; Gary Cahill was needed to make a brilliant last ditch challenge on Robert Snodgrass as the midfielder looked like he was about to give Norwich a shock lead.

Chelsea hit the bar once again as Daivd Luiz, who was also introduced during halftime, rattled the crossbar from range as Chelsea just could not find one last goal for their home fans.

The game dwindled out and the Chelsea players, as they took to the pitch for their lap of honour, must have known that now their title dreams were surely at an end.

The result leaves Chelsea a point off of the top having played a game more than both Manchester City and Liverpool, but the Blues are three points clear of London rivals Arsenal who have confirmed their spot in the top 4 this weekend.

The result is also a poor one for Norwich, who are two points from safety having played a game more than those above them.

Jose Mourinho, who last week claimed his side were “back in nothing” regarding the title race after their victory at Anfield, reflected on a season of mixed emotions:

“We know now we have no chance to be Champions. We need one point to finish in the group stages of the Champions League… butthis is not a trophy for us.”

Ultimately, it appears that when Mourinho claimed that this side were not ready to win the League, he was correct. If you want to win the League, you must find a way to break down the so called ‘smaller teams’ when they come and defend.

Mourinho went on to lament the lack of energy in the team’s performance, but suggested that he couldn’t blame them for a laboured performance:

“When you lose a Champions League semi and you are not realistically in the title race, the mental energy disappears.”

Chelsea look to be finishing in the same League position as last season, but have improved on their points tally which shows signs of progression, and Chelsea fans will surely be expecting an even stronger challenge, if not the trophy, next campaign.

The final home game meant the final match at Stamford Bridge for any Chelsea players leaving come the summer, and Ashley Cole appeared to be teary on his lap of honour, suggesting that the left-back may be leaving the Blues very soon.

It may very well be the final game for Frank Lampard, depending on whether he is offered and accepts a new contract, and John Terry’s new deal is yet to be confirmed.

Chelsea play their final game of the season away to relegated Cardiff next Sunday in what looks like being a ‘nothing’ game, as Chelsea, by that point, are likely to be definitely out the title race.

Chelsea vs Norwich: Match facts

  • John Terry: 95% pass accuracy, 6 aerial duels won, 88 passes, 8 clearances
  • Chelsea have now failed to score from their last 49 shots on goal in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge; 27 vs Sunderland, 22 vs Norwich.
  • Norwich made 40 clearances, 26 from inside their own box
  • Chelsea had just one more shot on target than Norwich despite having 16 more shots

Source: WhoScored/Squawka

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