On 13 July, the Blues completed the signing of Bosnian goalkeeperAsmir Begović from Stoke City on a four-year deal for a reported £8 million.[20][21]Patrick Bamford extended his contract for another three years and was loaned to Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.[22]
Chelsea started their Premier League campaign at home against Swansea City. Swansea came from behind twice to draw 2–2 with ten-man Chelsea. Oscar gave the Blues the lead before André Ayew drew Swansea level, yet Chelsea went in 2–1 up at the break thanks to a Federico Fernández own goal. Six minutes into the second half, Thibaut Courtois was sent off for a last-man foul on Bafétimbi Gomis; Gomis converted the resulting penalty to equalise for the Swans.[32][33][34] This match involved an incident in which Eva Carneiro, the Chelsea team doctor, came on to treat Eden Hazard – an action for which she was later criticised by José Mourinho. Carneiro would later take the club to court and eventually won a £5 million settlement. This event, however, signalled the beginning of a downward spiral that would culminate in José Mourinho's sacking.
Nathan Aké signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea and will continue his development by spending this season on loan in the Premier League at Watford.[36][37]
On 23 August, the Blues announced the signing of Kenedy from Fluminense, who will wear the number 16 shirt.[46] Pedro stars on his Chelsea debut as he scores one and assists another as the Blues win their first game of the season against West Bromwich Albion. Thibaut Courtois saved a first half James Morrison penalty before goals from Pedro, Diego Costa and César Azpilicueta sent Chelsea in 3–1 up at the break. Despite having John Terry sent off in the 54th minute, Chelsea held on to claim all three points.[47]
In José Mourinho's 200th Premier League match (and 100th league match at home), Chelsea lost 2–1 to Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. This marked only the second time Mourinho had suffered a home defeat in the league as Chelsea manager, and it was also just his third home defeat in all competitions while in charge of Chelsea. Goals from Bakary Sako and Joel Ward either side of Radamel Falcao's first goal for the Blues sent Chelsea eight points behind leaders Manchester City.[52]
On transfer deadline day, Chelsea announced the signing of Nantes defender Papy Djilobodji for a reported £2.7 million.[53]Victor Moses extends his contract for another four years and is loaned to West Ham United.[54] The Blues also signed Michael Hector for a reported £4 million from Reading; he was immediately loaned back to Reading for the entirety of the season.[55]
First choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is ruled out for up to three months with a knee injury.[56] The Blues' poor form continued as they suffered another defeat, this time away at Everton. A Steven Naismith hat-trick condemned Chelsea to a third defeat after just five games, as many as they suffered in the entire previous season.[57]
Chelsea win their first home game of the season as they defeat Maccabi Tel Aviv 4–0. Goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa and Cesc Fàbregas sent the Blues top of Group G after one game.[58] This victory was Chelsea's first clean sheet since the Blues won the title last May 1–0 against Crystal Palace.[59]
Diego Costa eyeballs Arsenal's Gabriel. The latter would be the recipient of a red card later rescinded, while the former was charged with violent conduct.
Goals from Kurt Zouma and a Calum Chambers own goal gave Chelsea a 2–0 victory over nine-man Arsenal. Gabriel and Santi Cazorla were sent off for the Gunners, the former for kicking out at Diego Costa and the latter for receiving two yellow cards. The Blues also keep their first clean sheet of the 2015–16 Premier League season, Zouma's goal was his first in the Premier League for Chelsea.[60] Two days after the game, both Chelsea and Arsenal were charged with failing to control their players and Costa was charged with an act of violent conduct for the incident that started the disturbance, where he slapped Laurent Koscielny in the face, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.[61] Costa was given a three-match suspension,[62] while Gabriel had his three-match suspension withdrawn after a "wrongful dismissal claim" from Arsenal and he was available for their next match.[63]
Chelsea came from 2–0 down with ten minutes to play to secure a point away to Newcastle United thanks to late goals from substitutes Ramires and Willian. Ayoze Pérez and Georginio Wijnaldum sent the Magpies ahead before the Brazilian substitutes sent the Blues five points off the top four.[64]
The Blues' last game in September finished in a 2–1 loss at Porto in a hard-fought game. Chelsea failed to claim a draw as goals from André André and Maicon sent Porto one point ahead of Chelsea.[65]
Chelsea's poor start to the season continued as Southampton came from behind to record a victory at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have taken only eight points from a possible 24 this season and are only four above the relegation zone.[66] After Saturday's home defeat, Chelsea have offered their full support to manager José Mourinho. Meanwhile, Blues captain John Terry says the 52-year-old Portuguese is the best person to help the club recover from their miserable start.
"If anyone is going to get us out of this hole it is going to be José Mourinho", said the 34-year-old defender.[67]
The Blues defeat Aston Villa 2–0 at Stamford Bridge, with a Diego Costa goal and an Alan Hutton own goal. José Mourinho dropped Eden Hazard, Nemanja Matić and Gary Cahill and chose to start youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Baba Rahman.[68] Four days later, Chelsea draw 0–0 with Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv, keeping them in third place one point behind the Ukrainian champions.[69]
José Mourinho and Nemanja Matić were sent-off as Chelsea's miserable Premier League campaign continued with a 2–1 defeat at West Ham on 24 October. Mauro Zárate fired the Hammers in front when Chelsea failed to clear a corner. Matić was sent off after being booked twice in nine minutes before the break, and Mourinho joined him after speaking to referee Jon Moss at half-time.
Gary Cahill levelled from a corner but Andy Carroll met Aaron Cresswell's cross to send the Hammers to second in the table.[70]
Chelsea crashed out of the League Cup in the fourth round after Jack Butland's penalty shootout heroics earned ten-man Stoke City a 5–4 spot-kick win that increased the pressure on José Mourinho. Jonathan Walters struck a goal worthy of winning any contest to give Stoke the lead early in the second half, before Loïc Rémy's injury-time equaliser took the tie the distance at the Britannia Stadium. After nine out of the first nine spot-kicks were clinically despatched—with the likes of Charlie Adam, Marko Arnautović, Oscar, Rémy and Willian successful—Eden Hazard saw his attempt brilliantly saved by Jack Butland, who earned his side a place in the last eight.[71]
Philippe Coutinho scored twice as Liverpool came from behind to beat Chelsea 3–1 at Stamford Bridge on 31 October to ratchet up the pressure yet further on the beleaguered Mourinho. A Ramires header gave the Premier League champions the lead after just four minutes, but compatriot Coutinho fired Liverpool level in some style just before half-time. Oscar came close with a long-range chip, but chances were few and far between in the second half until another Coutinho effort clipped John Terry and flew past Asmir Begović. Christian Benteke made sure of the points with a composed finish in the closing minutes as Jürgen Klopp secured his first league win since taking charge of Liverpool.[72]
Chelsea eased the pressure on manager José Mourinho as Willian's late winner gave them a crucial Champions League victory over Dynamo Kyiv at Stamford Bridge. The win moved the Blues into second place in Group G, three points behind leaders Porto, but now with a two-point cushion to Dynamo.[73]
Premier League-wise, though, Chelsea continued their struggle as they lost in a 1–0 away game at Stoke City. Seeing Norwich City win, this left them 16th in the League and three points above relegation.[74]
Chelsea recorded their first win in four Premier League matches as Diego Costa's first goal in seven games gave them a narrow victory over Norwich. The Blues finally broke through when Costa finished off Cesc Fàbregas' quickly taken free-kick. The home side were denied a second when Kurt Zouma's flick hit the crossbar.[75]
The Blues also secured back to back wins, after defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 4–0. Goals from Gary Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Kurt Zouma sent Chelsea closer to the knockout phase, needing only one point home against Porto.[76]
Tottenham Hotspur extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to a club record 13 games with a 0–0 draw against Chelsea at White Hart Lane. Neither goalkeeper was to beaten before the final whistle, leaving Mourinho's side 14th in the table with one win in their last five Premier League matches.[77]
The away goalmouth in Chelsea's home defeat to AFC Bournemouth.
Glenn Murray scored a dramatic late winning goal as AFC Bournemouth recorded one of the most famous wins in their history against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The substitute had been on the pitch for just 99 seconds before he bundled home the winner. Mourinho's side, who sit 14th in the table, have now suffered eight defeats in 15 league games and Eden Hazard's goalless streak stretching to 25 games in all competitions.[78]
Chelsea advanced to the Champions League knockout stage with a 2–0 victory, which eliminated opponents Porto and sent the Portuguese side into the Europa League. Costa, on the bench in the Blues' last two games, had a hand in the opening goal when his saved effort rebounded in off Iván Marcano and Willian scored the second goal.[79]
The Blues lost their ninth Premier League game (out of sixteen) of the season, while Leicester City moved to the top of the Premier League, in a 2–1 loss on Monday. This left the defending champions just one point clear of the relegation. Jamie Vardy scored for the sixth consecutive Premier League home match and Riyad Mahrez scored the second goal before Loïc Rémy could halve the deficit with 13 minutes remaining.[80]
Chelsea players in conversation with the referee during their defeat to Leicester City.
On 17 December, after the loss against Leicester City and after losing nine out of sixteen league games, manager José Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea.[81] Former Netherlands boss Guus Hiddink was appointed interim Chelsea manager until the end of the season following the sacking of Mourinho. The Dutchman was to be at Stamford Bridge for Sunderland's match, but Steve Holland took control of team matters for the game alongside Eddie Newton, who now took on the role of assistant first-team coach.[82]
Chelsea began their second post-José Mourinho era by scoring three goals in the Premier League for the first time in nearly four months to beat Sunderland. Fabio Borini pulled one back for Sunderland when he bundled in from close range, but that was not enough to take it to a comeback. The day was marked by fan protests and shows of support for Mourinho.[83]
On Boxing Day, Diego Costa scored twice as Guus Hiddink's second spell as Chelsea boss started with a 2–2 draw against Watford.[84]
On 28 December, keepers David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois were the stars of the show as Manchester United and Chelsea drew 0–0.[85]
Chelsea secured their first victory in Hiddink's second spell as boss to move six points clear of relegation with a win at Crystal Palace. A first-half goal from Oscar gave the Blues the lead at Selhurst Park, before second-half strikes from Willian and Diego Costa secured all three points.[86]
John Swift extended his loan with Championship club Brentford until the end of the season. Additionally, both Patrick Bamford and Christian Atsu returned to the club following their loan spells with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively.[87]
On 10 January, Chelsea advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup, defeating Football League One side Scunthorpe United 2–0. Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored the second goal, the first of his senior career at Chelsea.[88]
On 24 January, Chelsea earned a 1–0 victory over Arsenal after a first-half goal from Diego Costa. With this win, Chelsea moved past West Bromwich Albion into 13th in the league over goal difference with 28 points.[89]
On 31 January, Chelsea rounded out the month with a 5–1 victory over Championship side MK Dons in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Blues will host Manchester City in the fifth round on 21 February.[90]
Chelsea began the month with back-to-back draws against league opponents Watford and Manchester United, 0–0 and 1–1, respectively.[91][92] The draw against Manchester United was marred by a serious knee injury to Kurt Zouma, which would rule him out until the following season.
Chelsea returned to their winning ways on 13 February, dominating Newcastle United 5–1 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea led 2–0 within ten minutes thanks to goals from Diego Costa and Pedro. Costa later set up Willian, who finished to make the lead three goals at the 17 minute mark. In the second half, Pedro added a second goal, and Bertrand Traoré scored his first league goal to make it 5–0. The Magpies got a 90th-minute goal through Andros Townsend, but it was little consolation as the rout ended in favor of the Blues. The only other blemish of the game was a hamstring injury to club captain John Terry, who missed the next match.[93]
Chelsea then faced Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Chelsea were without John Terry and Kurt Zouma, due to injuries, and Nemanja Matić, as he had been suspended for accumulating two yellow cards. Because of this, Chelsea started Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanović at centre back, and Baba Rahman and César Azpilicueta at full-back. The Parisians dominated possession throughout much of the half and eventually capitalized in the 39th minute. Chelsea midfielderJohn Obi Mikel conceded a foul just outside the 18-yard box. PSG forward Zlatan Ibrahimović's free kick deflected off Mikel, who was part of the wall, and past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Just a few minutes later, however, Chelsea equalised through Mikel from a stoppage time corner kick. PSG regained their lead late in the game as Edinson Cavani, who had only entered the match moments prior as a substitute, broke through the Chelsea back line and beat Courtois. The lead would hold, with PSG holding a 2–1 lead heading into the second leg.[94]
Five days after the loss in Paris, Chelsea bounced back with a 5–1 win against Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup. City manager Manuel Pellegrini chose to play a weakened squad that featured five youth players making their senior debuts.[95] Chelsea struck first, Diego Costa scoring on a 35th-minute header. However, City immediately responded, with David Faupala scoring on his senior debut and tying the score going to halftime. However, Faupala's goal was the last glimmer of hope, as Chelsea would score four times in the second half. Four different Chelsea players scored in the second half: Willian, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard, and Bertrand Traoré. The final score was 5–1.[96] Later that day, Chelsea drew Everton as their opponent in the sixth round, to be played on 12 March.
Chelsea began March with a victory against Norwich City on the first day of the month. Chelsea scored just 39 seconds into the match behind a strike from Kenedy, a natural winger who had lined up as a left back. Having taken the lead in the first minute, Chelsea later doubled it in the final minute of the first half, with Diego Costa scoring in stoppage time. Norwich would cut the Blues' lead to one after a 68th-minute goal from Nathan Redmond. However, Chelsea would manage to hold on to their lead and win. The final score was 2–1.[97]
Four days later, Chelsea faced off with Stoke City. Chelsea scored through Bertrand Traoré in the 39th minute. Chelsea maintained their lead, but Mame Biram Diouf would equalize in the 85th. This score would hold, a 1–1 draw.[98]
On 9 March, Chelsea lost 1–2 (2–4 on aggregate) to PSG in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. Adrien Rabiot put PSG ahead 16 minutes into the match. Chelsea's Diego Costa equalised 11 minutes later, putting the aggregate score 3–2 in favor of PSG. A second Chelsea goal would have forced extra time, and they looked the better side for the remainder of the second half, but failed to score such a goal on several chances. In the 60th minute, Costa went to ground with an injury and had to be replaced by Bertrand Traoré. Seven minutes later, Zlatan Ibrahimović connected with an Ángel Di María cross. This all but ended any chances of a Chelsea comeback, as, due to the away goals rule, would have needed to score three goals in just over 20 minutes. Chelsea failed to score even one, let alone three, and the score ended 1–2 (2–4 on aggregate) in favor of PSG.[99]
On 12 March, Chelsea lost 2–0 away to Everton in the sixth round of the FA Cup. Former Chelsea's player Romelu Lukaku scored both goals for Everton. As of 12 March, Chelsea were eliminated from all knockout competitions and sat 10th in the league.[100]
On 19 March, Chelsea earned a 2–2 draw with London rivals West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. West Ham United opened the scoring with a fantastic long range shot from Manuel Lanzini which sailed past Thibaut Courtois in the 17th minute. However, just before the half time break Spaniard Cesc Fàbregas equalized with a sublime free-kick. West Ham United re-took the lead in the 61st minute courtesy of substitute Andy Carroll. However, Chelsea replied again this time in the 88th minute after Ruben Loftus-Cheek was brought down by Michail Antonio in the penalty area, therefore earning the Blues a penalty with seconds of normal time remaining. Chelsea then found their second equalizer of the match after Cesc Fàbregas converted the penalty comfortably past goalkeeper Adrián.[101]
Chelsea began the month with a 4–0 away victory at Villa Park, beating a struggling Aston Villa side. Matt Miazga, Alexandre Pato and Jake Clarke-Salter all made their first-team debuts for Chelsea. Chelsea took the lead through Ruben Loftus-Cheek after his shot was deflected by Villa defender Joleon Lescott. The Blues then doubled their advantage through an Alexandre Pato penalty, after he was brought down in the area by Aly Cissokho. Pato had replaced the injured Loïc Rémy in the 23rd minute. Chelsea then scored a third through Pedro a minute into the second half. Pedro scored a second after a Pato shot was parried away by Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan and found its way to the feet of the Spaniard.[102]
On 16 April, Chelsea lost 3–0 at home to Manchester City, the same scoreline as the previous league meeting between the two sides in August 2015.[106]
On 23 April, Chelsea played away at Bournemouth. Chelsea got on the board early with a goal from Pedro, followed by two Hazard goals and a Willian goal. Hazard scored three goals in the Premier League this season. Fabregas contributed three assists in the win.[107]
Chelsea went winless throughout the month of May, managing three draws and a loss. Their first game of the month was against Tottenham Hotspur on 2 May and this match has since become known as the 'Battle of the Bridge'.[108] The game ended in a 2–2 in which Chelsea came back from being 2–0 down at half time, to secure a point against Tottenham and effectively end their London rival's hopes of obtaining the Premier League title, as Tottenham dropping points meant that they were mathematically unable to surpass Leicester at the top of the table. The opening goals for Tottenham came from Kane in the 35th minute and Son Heung-min's low strike in the 44th minute. The match seemed to be decided until Chelsea returned fire in the second half with Cahill lashing in a goal from distance in the 58th minute, and Hazard then scored a goal in the 83rd minute to continue to regain his form after not having scored until April, and to maintain Chelsea's unbeaten streak at home against Tottenham for the 26th year in a row.[109]
Chelsea's next game was a 3–2 away loss to Sunderland on 7 May, which proved to be crucial for the home side's survival in the top flight of English football, at the time moving Sunderland up to 17th in the table and one point clear of their bitter rivals Newcastle United. Chelsea scored the opening goal with a precise finishing strike from Diego Costa in the 14th minute, giving them the lead until Sunderland equalised with a 41st minute volley from Khazri. Chelsea regained the lead seven minutes later in added time with a goal from Nemanja Matić to put them 2–1 up at half time. Sunderland were to turn the game on its head in the second half with two goals in the span of three minutes from Fabio Borini and Jermain Defoe, scored in the 67th and 70th minute. Chelsea were unable to fight back for a draw as Sunderland held on for the three points which would boost their survival hopes. Chelsea remained 9th in the table following the result, possessing a better goal difference than Stoke City in 10th position.[110]
Former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri–now with newly crowned champions Leicester–in Guus Hiddink's last match as Blues boss.
Chelsea's penultimate game of the season and their last away fixture was a 1–1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield, on 11 May. After a slow start, Eden Hazard found the net again, continuing an improved run of form with a 32nd minute solo goal to put the Blues in front. The game remained uneventful until Christian Benteke equalised for Liverpool, with a header in the 2nd minute of added time during the second half, claiming a point for the Merseyside club and increasing the team's unbeaten home streak to 12 games.[111]
Chelsea's final game of the 2015–16 Premier League season on 15 May resulted in another 1–1 draw, this time at home to champions Leicester City whom they had failed to defend their title against from the previous season. The game remained goalless until the 66th minute with Cesc Fàbregas scoring a penalty. Leicester responded quickly with a goal from Danny Drinkwater fourteen minutes later, to conclude the campaign with Chelsea finishing 10th due to a win from Stoke City sending the club above Chelsea in the table. Chelsea's tenth-place finish marked the club's lowest finish in the Premier League since the 1995–96 season, in which they finished 11th. It also marked the worst defence of a title in the Premier League's 24-year history, and confirmed the club's absence from European competition in the 2016/17 season.[112]
Source: Premier League Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Play-offs (only if needed to decide champion, teams for relegation or teams for UEFA competitions).[113]
Club
Coaching staff
[[File:Chelsea 2 - 0 Spurs
Capital One Cup Winners 2015 (16692085921).jpg|right|thumb|200px|José Mourinho as Chelsea manager. Mourinho was sacked in December 2015.]]
Chelsea have had 37 players spend time out on loan in 2015–16, with five playing for two different clubs. Stipe Perica had signed a deal to spend the entire season out on loan prior to the 2015–16 season, while a further 29 exited for the entire season by the end of the summer transfer window. Six would return prematurely prior to or during the winter window, but by its close four of that group had exited on new deals to the end of the campaign. John Swift, who joined Brentford on 1 October ultimately had his loan extended to the end of the season, while two further players exited on new season-long deals in January.
Source: Premier League Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Play-offs (only if needed to decide champion, teams for relegation or teams for UEFA competitions).[223]
Chelsea qualified for the Group Stage of the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League by winning the 2014–15 Premier League. Having previously been seeded in pot 1 for the Champions League drew as one of the top eight ranked teams in UEFA, Chelsea would remain staying in pot 1 despite the changes to UEFA qualification rules, where pot 1 for group stage draws would now consist of the Champions League holders and the champions of the seven highest ranked associations. The group stage draw was made on 27 August 2015 in Monaco, France. Chelsea were to face Porto, Dynamo Kyiv and Maccabi Tel Aviv.[226] Scoring a total of 13 points, Chelsea advanced to the knockout stage as group winners by winning against Porto, and sending the Portuguese side to the Europa League, in the last round.[227]
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