Ever wondered what football would have looked like had the Coronavirus pandemic not occurred in the 2019/2020 season and sent the world into an unprecedented lockdown? As fans around the globe are sat at home observing social distancing, many will be thinking about what might have been, should the season have continued. There is still lots to play for in the current Premier League campaign and here we will explore a parallel world that follows Chelsea’s journey as if that fateful announcement of the 13th March was just a nightmare and not reality.
Villa Park, 14th March 2020. Aston Villa 1v3 Chelsea
Chelsea make it 3 wins on the bounce in 2019/2020 as goals from Willian, Mount and Giroud tighten their grip on 4th place as Manchester Utd draw away to Tottenham. Almost is if they continued where they left off after last week’s demolition of Everton, Chelsea were boosted by the return of Kante to the squad who was brought on for a cameo for the yet again magnificent Gilmour.
Allianz Arena, 18th March 2020. Bayern Munich 2v1 Chelsea
Unable to recreate that famous night in Munich some 8 years ago, Chelsea were eliminated from this season Champions League at the Round of 16 stage. Having given a better account of themselves than the first leg, the highlight will surely be Pedro’s excellent solo goal in what is widely regarded as his last appearance in European competition for Chelsea. The travelling fans were treated to the return from injury of Tammy Abraham, one of a long list of Chelsea stars that have spent more time on the treatment table than a football pitch.
King Power Stadium, 21st March 2020. Leicester 1v1 Chelsea, Leicester win 4-2 on penalties.
In what was Chelsea’s only remaining chance of silverware this season, they exited their second competition in a week having succumbed to a valiant Foxes side on penalties. Having taken an early lead through Giroud and been in control for the most part of the match, they failed to take their chances to kill off the game in what is a familiar sight for Lampard’s young side this season. Vardy capitalised on a Rudiger error in injury time and the Foxes held on to take the match to penalties. Having missed the vital spot kick in the Super Cup against Liverpool at the start of the 2019/2020 campaign, Abraham yet again spurned his penalty to send Leicester to their first FA Cup semi-final in 38 years.
London Stadium, 05th April 2020. West Ham 1v2 Chelsea
Frank Lampard welcomed Christian Pulisic and Calum Hudson-Odoi back to the starting line-up for Chelsea’s first game after the recent international break. In a tight match that saw Kepa demonstrate his credentials for the number 1 jersey, it was a spectacular piece of play between Hudson-Odoi and James that enabled Abraham to apply the finishing touch to what would be a late winner against Chelsea’s fierce London rivals.
Stamford Bridge, 12th April. Chelsea 3v0 Watford
Calum Hudson-Odoi said it was “a dream” to score his second home goal for Chelsea in the 2019/2020 season on his long awaited return to Stamford Bridge. Having had a tough 12 months because of an achilles injury and recent hamstring problem, the youngster put in a fine display as Chelsea continued their impressive recent league form. It was also a celebratory occasion for the Chelsea faithful who welcomed Ruben Loftus-Cheek back to action, who came on to a rapturous applause from the home crowd. In the race for the top 4, Tottenham and Wolves lost whist Sheffield Utd drew, meaning their hopes of Champions League qualification are all but over for this season.
Selhurst Park, 18th April. Crystal Palace 1v3 Chelsea
Frank Lampard praised striker Tammy Abraham’s influence on his young Chelsea side, as the Blues matched their best winning run of the league season away to Crystal Palace. Goals from Mount and Abraham, either side of a rare Kovacic drive saw Chelsea on their way in what was a comfortable match for Lampard’s side.
Stamford Bridge, 22nd April 2019/2020. Chelsea 1v2 Man City
A rearranged match following both team’s appearances in the FA Cup quarter finals, Chelsea yet again came up short at home against quality opposition as an Aguero double dented Chelsea’s top 4 ambitions. Having taken the lead just as they did at the Etihad earlier in the season, City wore down Chelsea’ resistance in what was another example of their defensive vulnerabilities.
Brammall Lane, 26th April 2020. Sheffield Utd 1v1 Chelsea
Sheffield Utd and Chelsea played out an entertaining draw in a see-saw encounter that saw Chelsea’s cushion in 4th place eroded to just 3 points. Having comeback from 2-0 down away at The Bridge earlier in the season, Sheffield Utd yet again showed why they deserve their place in the top 10 of the Premier League this season with a fine solo goal from Billy Sharp that cancelled out Christian Pulisic’s opener.
Stamford Bridge, 02nd May. Chelsea 2v0 Norwich
Tammy Abraham’s second half double broke Norwich’s resistance as Chelsea maintained their 3 point cushion over Manchester Utd in 5th place. In what was a tough encounter following Norwich’s stubborn defending, Frank Lampard was visibly relieved to see substitutes Willian and Abraham combine beautifully for both late goals.
Anfield, 09th May 2020. Liverpool 3v1 Chelsea
Premier League champions Liverpool rounded off a near perfect league season by coming from behind to beat in-form Chelsea in an entertaining game. A result that leaves Chelsea level on points with Manchester Utd in 4th, they can take solace in the fact that next seasons Champions League destiny is in their own hands.
Stamford Bridge, 17th May 2020. Chelsea 2v1 Wolves
Chelsea sealed a fourth-place finish in the Premier League as they ended their campaign with a pleasing victory against Wolves. Chelsea knew a win was enough to secure 4th place and therefore Champions League football for next season and despite a terrible start in which Jimenez put the visitors ahead, the result was never in doubt once Hudson-Odoi had levelled the scores early in the second half before Mount’s winner. In what is expected to be their farewell appearances, Pedro and Willian showed glimpses of their best form to reinforce the cult status both have enjoyed in recent years.
By Jonathan Mann
Edited by Jai Mcintosh