Did Chelsea deserve to win the league?

Are Chelsea worthy Premier League champions? Even allowing for the fact that referee Martin Atkinson spoilt the last day excitement when he needlessly and harshly sent off Wigan defender Gary Caldwell when giving Chelsea the penalty that gave them a 2-0 lead, the answer has to be an emphatic yes.

Stuttered

Chelsea have, at times, stuttered and stumbled their way through parts of this season, but when they have been good, they have been very good indeed. Three victories by seven goals and one by eight are not achieved at this level by anything other than a very special team

Only one defeat at home all season, one hundred and three goals scored and just thirty-two conceded says all you need to know about how good this team is.

Keeper

Petr Cech is probably not quite the keeper he was before his horror injury a couple of years ago but he is still one of the best. In front of him, Ivanovic has been an absolute revelation at right back and his inclusion in the PFA team of the year, selected by the players, speaks volumes for his performances.

John Terry has had a difficult season on and off the pitch but remains a fine defender and a great leader. Likewise, Ashley Cole has struggled with injury and scandal, but his form on the pitch has been as good as it has ever been.

Amazing

Frank Lampard is a phenomenon. Like a fine wine, he gets better with age. Another twenty goal haul from midfield is a quite amazing performance.

Florent Malouda transformed himself this season from being one of the worst signings in the history of the Premier League into being the players’ player of the season at the club. He has been superb and has finally showed why he was so highly regarded before he arrived at Chelsea.

Frustrate

What can you say about Didier Drogba? His personality continues to frustrate as he rolls around in agony, questions every decision and sulks when he is not allowed to take a penalty. Despite all that, you have to say that he is a world class striker who has strength, pace, skill and everything that a defender most fears. A hat-trick in the 8-0 last day win against Wigan made him the deserved golden boot winner.

Carlo Ancelotti was brought in to bring back the success of the Mourinho days and to go one step further by winning the Champions League. He has ended Manchester United’s run of three Premier League titles but failed in the European task, ironically at the hands of Mourinho.

Success

He will regard the season as a partial success but he will also know that Roman Abramovic will not rest until his side is regarded as the best in Europe. He will have to achieve that target next season or another man will be given the task.

The side isn’t getting any younger and there are a number of players the wrong side of thirty. I have no doubt that Ancelotti will be bringing players in during the Summer and his past record suggests that you shouldn’t bet against him.