The 2024 Premier League season has been a rollercoaster for Chelsea, filled with highs, lows, and moments of utter unpredictability. Chelsea Football Club has always been in the frontline of engaging its worldwide fan base. Just as the world keeps digitizing, so do the means to keep these supporters connected and updated. Amongst one such innovative tool to make a mark is the QR maker that helps fans create and share amazing content in a few clicks, which is totally changing how Chelsea supporters interact and share their love for the Blues.
A Season of Chaos
2024 has been nothing short of chaotic in the Premier League. Top clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have had their own moments of instability, and teams that were expected to dominate have faltered. With Manchester United in disarray and Tottenham dealing with managerial issues, the top of the table has seen unprecedented fluctuations. The inconsistent performances of these title contenders have opened the door for clubs like Chelsea to take advantage and push for a top-four finish or even challenge for the league itself.
However, despite a promising start to the season and glimpses of a renewed Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, their form faltered when it mattered most. Their inability to consistently win key games against mid-table rivals or pick up crucial points against struggling teams has ultimately cost them dearly. Matches that were ripe for taking control and capitalizing on the instability of other top sides ended in disappointing draws or, worse, unexpected defeats.
Key Moments Chelsea Let Slip
As the Premier League year came to a close in December, Chelsea had a few key fixtures in which they could have propelled themselves into contention for a Champions League spot. A loss to an underperforming Ipswich in the final weeks of 2024, coupled with a frustrating draw against Everton, exposed Chelsea’s vulnerability in tight situations. These dropped points were the product of familiar issues: an inability to finish chances, defensive lapses at critical moments, and lack of a clinical edge in the final third.
What stood out, however, was Chelsea’s inability to capitalise when their rivals faltered. For instance, Arsenal went through a rough patch in the middle of the season, yet Chelsea couldn’t take full advantage. Similarly, while Manchester United’s troubles seemed to continue, Chelsea’s failure to win key games meant they could never make the leap past them in the standings.
Pochettino’s Dilemma
Under Maresca, Chelsea’s style of play has improved, with a more possession-oriented approach and an emphasis on youth development. The Italian coach has undoubtedly made strides with a squad that has undergone significant changes in recent years, with many new faces introduced to the team. The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moisés Caicedo, and Christopher Nkunku have shown flashes of brilliance, but it’s clear that consistency remains the key issue.
Maresca has faced mounting pressure, as expectations for Chelsea continue to grow. Though many are still supportive of his project, the inability to challenge for the top spots, particularly with the unpredictability of the 2024 season, means his tenure could be defined by what could have been.
The Road Ahead
As Chelsea heads into 2025, the club finds itself in a precarious position. While they still have time to rectify their fortunes, the missed opportunities at the end of 2024 may haunt them. The competition for Champions League spots is fierce, and the top clubs are likely to regain their rhythm in the new year.
For Chelsea, the focus must be on finding that elusive consistency. The talent is there, but whether they can string together a series of results that put them back into the upper echelons of the Premier League table remains to be seen.
In the end, 2024 will be remembered as the year Chelsea had a chance to capitalise on the chaos around them. The missed opportunity, however, serves as a stark reminder that, in the Premier League, moments of vulnerability are fleeting — and if you don’t take your chance, the window may close before you can blink.
