Chelsea were treated with a Premier League title on this day five years ago. Jose Mourinho had been back for two years and after going close the season prior, finishing third, a trio of topflight title was secured for the Portuguese manager after his glory in 2005 and 2006.  

Crystal Palace didn’t make it a walk in the park for Chelsea, who had to fight hard for their 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge. After Didier Drogba had gone close from a free kick previously, Palace were frustrating Chelsea.  

Ultimately, the turning point was once again, Eden Hazard. The Belgian picked up the ball wide left, played a quick give and go with Willian, who handed the ball back to Hazard who went down in the box after colliding with James McArthur

The referee gave a penalty and despite initially missing the trademark spot kick, which sees the ball trickle into the net, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Julian Speroni saved in the Palace goal.  

Hazard was handed a get out of jail card after the initial save rebounded to the number 10, who headed into an empty net. Title secured.  

Who were the five key players for Chelsea that season? What would’ve made the perfect five a side team?  

Thibaut Courtois  

The Belgian shot stopper enjoyed a good season five years ago. After a fruitful spell at Atletico Madrid on loan, which was over three seasons, the expectations were high for Courtois, who was already tipped to be one of the great goalkeepers in the upcoming years.  

Ater 32 starts in the 2014/15 season, Chelsea legend Petr Cech had been dropped to second choice to allow Courtois to fulfil his potential. A shot to save ratio of 71.2 per cent was a good return for ‘Thibo’, who kept 12 clean sheets and conceded just 30 goals.  

John Terry 

Another phenomenal season for Terry. At 35 years of age in 2015, playing every single Premier League game is an admirable achievement, but winning the league too is the icing on the cake for ‘JT’, who was picking up his fourth Premier League medal in a decade. 

The iconic number 26 played 3420 minutes for Chelsea in the Premier League, the most in the squad, for one of the oldest in the squad. ‘The solid rock of London’ successfully won 159 duels that season, adding 217 clearances. Up the other end, Terry Netted five goals.  

Cesc Fabregas 

The Spaniard re-joined the Premier League for the second time after switching from Barcelona. Despite returning to London, it wasn’t usual home territory for Fabregas who was once a fan favourite at Arsenal during an eight-year tenure (2003-2011). 

Fabregas didn’t disappoint five years ago, the midfielder started 34 Premier League games. His first league appearance for Chelsea was a sign of things to come, after a delicious assist to Andre Schurrle against Burnley. Fabregas created 95 chances that season, assisting 18 along the way. 

Eden Hazard 

After departing Chelsea in 2019, the legend status was confirmed. Seven memorable years for Chelsea fans, who will forever be grateful for the dazzling runs, the solo goals and the elegant flicks that Hazard portrayed on such a regular basis.  

A superb season for the Belgian half a decade ago, a constant threat off the left-hand side, linking up with Fabregas and Diego Costa would prove to be a constant routine. Hazard netted 14 times and chipped in with nine assists, the magician was rewarded with his first Premier League medal and the PFA player of the year accolade.  

Diego Costa

After rattling Chelsea, the season prior in the Champions League for Ateltico Madrid, Stamford Bridge knew exactly what they were getting themselves in for with the Spanish forward. Costa would go on to be a fan favourite at the Bridge, resulting in a banner in the stadium, named: ‘The Guvnor’. 

As previously stated, the partnership between himself, Hazard and Fabregas was one of the dominating factors on why Chelsea won the league five years ago. In 24 starts, the number 19 netted 20 goals, proving doubters wrong as there were once question marks on his capabilities of leading the line at Stamford Bridge.  

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