Leicester came from behind to take a point back from Stamford Bridge on Sunday against the side from whom they inherited the title. The Foxes found themselves trailing to a Cesc Fabregas penalty before Danny Drinkwater levelled. After the game John Terry took to the pitch to address the crowd, but he was guarded over his future. We still don’t know if we’ll ever see him in a Chelsea shirt again.
Guus Hiddink made just two changes ahead of the final game of the season, with Branislav Ivanovic and Thibaut Courtois coming in. The Serbian took up the captain’s armband, with Terry still suspended. The bench was once again filled by academy products, who were gaining vital experience.
While Terry sat out, Hiddink knew this was his last game with the club. The interim coach showed little enthusiasm for returning next season, and he leaves having completed a solid stabilising job. That was shown here, as Chelsea put on a decent enough display against the Premier League champions.
After being mere seconds away from a win over Liverpool at Anfield, the Blues started well against the champions. Kasper Schmeichel was busy early in the game, as he kept out efforts from Fabregas and club player of the year Willian. While they had little to play for, it was clear that Hiddink’s men were aiming to send him off on the back of a victory.
Leicester were taking this one seriously, too. They started with close to a full strength side, including PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez, and FWA player of the year Jamie Vardy. After an incredible season and a shock title win, it would have been easy for the Foxes to let the Blues take the game to them given that Claudio Ranieri’s men have nothing left to prove.
Fabregas got his fifth goal of the campaign from the penalty spot, and from that stage on you’d have expected Chelsea to go on and claim a victory. As usual this term, the Blues didn’t know what to do after scoring. They were sloppy after claiming the opening goal, and that’s when they let Leicester back in.
If you were told that the Foxes capitalised on poor defending, a few possible scorers would spring to mind. Drinkwater wouldn’t be among them. The defensive midfielder hit the equaliser, one which ensured his side kept their 10 point lead at the top of the table. Only four sides have ever won by a bigger margin.
After the game, Terry told fans that he was desperate to stay. Having been offered a new deal, he could carry on for another year, although with less playing time and a lower wage. Right now, there’s still a chance he’ll be around next term.
Whatever he chooses to do, next season will see a very different Chelsea team. Antonio Conte will have to make a few changes, as he looks to improve on one of the worst title defences in history.
LCN Man of the Match: Cesc Fabregas