Mourinho’s men can go eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, but should the Blues boss be worried?
Manchester City slipped up to Liverpool on Sunday in the title race, dropping three priceless points – while on the same day, title leaders Chelsea secured their first trophy of the season.
Following the narrow triumph over West Ham United on Wednesday night, that heaps the pressure further on Manuel Pellegrini, Blues boss Jose Mourinho revealed that he would be having a lie-in until midday the next day – but should the Portuguese be so relaxed?
We take a look at five of the biggest and most exciting Premier League title races – that could ruffle the feathers of even the most confident of football bosses…
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“I will love it if we beat them.”
Manchester United – 1996/97
Old Trafford hero David Beckham, on the opening day of the 1996/97 campaign, netted his famous goal from the half-way line against Wimbledon, with the season earning the midfielder Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year award.
But it was the title race that truly stole the limelight. Man United won the Premier League title by seven points – but they overcame a huge 12-point deficit by Newcastle United to secure the trophy.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s title fight back produced the most memorable quote in the league’s history from then Magpies boss Kevin Keegan, who said, “And I’ll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it.” Unfortunately it wasn’t to be…
‘Arsene Who?’
Arsenal – 1997/98
The previous season saw Arsenal appoint Arsene Wenger as Gunners boss, following the dismissal of Bruce Rioch. As a then unknown figure in the sport, the London Evening Standard famously ran with the headline – “Arsene Who?”.
The Frenchman well and truly answered the question – putting his name in the record-books – as he became the first overseas manager to win the Premier League title.
And boy did he do it with style. The Gunners overhauled an 11-point lead by Manchester United – and did the double in lifting the FA Cup.
Sir Alex Ferguson v Arsene Wenger
Manchester United – 2002/03
The Red Devils had recorded their lowest ever finish in the Premier League the previous season, as they ended in third place – and Sir Alex Ferguson was sure to avoid any such repeat.
The title appeared to be drifting away, but come Christmas, the team were on fire. Man United overcame an eight-point lead by the reigning champions Arsenal, going on a colossal 18-game unbeaten run from Boxing Day.
This campaign also marked the end of David Beckham’s 12-year stay with the club – as the midfielder sealed a £25m move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
“Aguerooooo!”
Manchester City – 2011/12
Voted as the best Premier League season yet, the title came down to the final day of the campaign – and what a day it was.
Manchester United looked to have clinched the title, but with almost the final kick of the season, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero scored the winner in a 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers – prompting commentator Martin Tyler to famously screech “Agueroooo!”.
The Citizens secured their first Premier League title in the history of the club on goal difference – and there’s no better way to do it than pipping arch-rivals Man United to the trophy.
“This does not f****** slip now!”
Manchester City – 2013/14
Liverpool came within agonising touching distance of their first Premier League title since 1990, as they went on an 11-game unbeaten run to front the title race, ahead of rivals Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, a devastating slip from Reds legend Steven Gerrard, against Chelsea, gifted striker Demba Ba the opening goal in a 2-0 Blues victory – comically after the skipper had issued a rally to his team-mates saying, “This does not f****** slip now” – was the beginning of Liverpool’s fall from top spot, eventually finishing runners-up.
The title thrillingly came down to the final weekend of the season, after defeat at Anfield, the Citizens went on an six-game unbeaten run, ending with a 2-0 victory over West Ham United to secure the trophy at the death of the season.