2014 - the year that was

[BlueLion. 21,491]

In a brief trip down memory lane, TalkChelsea reminisce about some of the greatest moments in 2014.

From the numerous highs to the occasional lows, 2014 was another rollercoaster of a year for Chelsea Football Club - and here we recount some of our favourite memorable moments from the past twelve months.

January

1 - the Blues kick off 2014 with a superb 3-0 demolition of the season's surprise packages - Southampton - on New Year's Day. The fixture marks Juan Mata's 135th and final Chelsea appearance as he later makes a £37 million move to Manchester United.

19 - a Samuel Eto'o hat-trick helps the Blues to three points against United in front of a jubilant Stamford Bridge crowd.

31 - on transfer deadline day, Chelsea agree a deal to sign French centre-back Kurt Zouma from St Etienne, with the youngster remaining with les Verts until the end of the season.

February

3 - Branislav Ivanovic scores a stunning half-volley to help Chelsea to three points at the Etihad Stadium in one of the best team performances in recent memory. The Blues close to gap on Manchester City to mere goal difference at the top of the table.

8 - Eden Hazard scores the first treble of his Chelsea career as the Blues beat Newcastle 3-0 at the Bridge.

22 - After dominating Everton for 90 minutes without being able to find the back of the net, Frank Lampard scores a 94th-minute winner to - temporarily - move Chelsea to the top of the table.

March

1 - in Andre Schurrle's coming-of-age in a Chelsea shirt, the German scores a brilliant second-half hat-trick against Fulham to move the Blues four points clear at the top of the table, though Manchester City have two games-in-hand.

8 - the Blues follow up that derby victory with a 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham, with Eto'o laughing off José Mourinho's "old man" claims.

22 - further derby joy follows as Arsenal are destroyed in Arsene Wenger's 1000th game in charge by a 6-0 scoreline.

April

5 - Frank Lampard scores his 211th - and final - Chelsea goal in a routine win over Stoke. The goal is the 250th of Lampard's club career

8 - a dramatic 87th minute goal from Demba Ba sees Chelsea into the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, at the expense of Paris St-Germain. The French side had led 3-1 from the first leg, but Ba's goal saw the Blues through on away goals.

19 - the Blues' title hopes are all but over as Sunderland record an incredible - but also controversial - win at Stamford Bridge that ends Mourinho's 77-game unbeaten streak as Chelsea boss. Former Chelsea striker Fabio Borini - on loan from Liverpool - scored the winner from the penalty spot after a disputable decision by Mike Dean.

27 - Steven Gerrard's slip hands Chelsea a brilliant win at Liverpool. Ba scores again to effectively save football and set up a late title charge from Manchester City.

May

5 - though the first-team would end the season trophyless, the Blues' Youth Team battles from 3-2 down to win a dramatic FA Youth Cup final 7-6 on aggregate after a stunning 5-3 win over neighbours Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

13 - at the conclusion of the season, club captain John Terry signs a contract extension, with the defender winning three Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League with the Blues.

June

3 - Lampard announces his departure from Chelsea after 13 years, 648 appearances, 211 goals and eleven major honours.

12 - the departure of Lampard is soothed by the arrival of Cesc Fabrgeas from Barcelona for a reported £30 million. The former Arsenal man takes the number four shirt vacated by David Luiz's sale to PSG 24 hours later.

July

1 - Ashley Cole departs Chelsea after eight years with the club; winning one Premier League, 4 FA Cups, 1 League Cup and one Champions League. Eto'o, Henrique Hilário and Sam Hutchinson all join Cole in leaving the club. Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer agrees a new contract on the same day.

15 - Diego Costa becomes the second major acquisition of the summer, joining from Atletico Madrid. Club-mate Filipe Luis joins Costa in swapping el Calderon for Stamford Bridge by agreeing to a move the following day, before making the move official on 18 July.

18 - Costa's arrival signals the end of Ba's Chelsea career as the Senegalese forward joins Besiktas for £4.7 million.

25 - a week after Ba's departure, a club legend in Didier Drogba re-signs for the Blues, two years after leaving as a European champion. The Ivorian's return allows Romelu Lukaku to end his Chelsea purgatory by permanently joining Everton, whilst Ryan Bertrand signs for Southampton on loan, replacing Manchester United-bound Luke Shaw.

August

18 - Costa scores on his debut as Chelsea outclass newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor.

30 - the Blues win a remarkable game against old boys Eto'o and Lukaku as Chelsea overcome Everton by a remarkable 6-3 scoreline - with Costa scoring in the 1st and 90th minutes to make it four goals in three games for his new club.

31 - after seeing £50 million flop Fernando Torres agree to a two-year loan deal at AC Milan, Chelsea bring in further striking cover with the signing of Loic Remy from Queens Park Rangers.

September

21 - after Schurrle had given Chelsea the lead against ten-man Manchester City, former Blues vice-captain Lampard comes off the bench to earn the champions a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad.

October

5 - goals from Hazard and Costa see Chelsea to another defeat of Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, moving them five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

18 - Fabregas' first Premier League goal for Chelsea - capping a sweeping team move - earns the Blues another derby win, this time against Crystal Palace.

28 - Costa, Thibaut Courtois and Hazard are among the nominees for the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or, while Mourinho is nominated for the 2014 FIFA World Coach of the Year.

November

1 - Oscar's stunning goal sees the Blues to a 2-1 win against local rivals QPR, though Mourinho is critical of the Stamford Bridge crowd.

8 - the Blues come from behind to record a second league win at Anfield in 2014 - this time Costa does the honours of applying the coup de grâce as the Blues maintained a four-point gap over second-placed Southampton.

25 - Former Chelsea boss Roberto di Matteo suffers a 0-5 home defeat at the hand of his former employers as Terry's second-minute goal led the Blues to their biggest win on German soil.

December

3 - the Blues get a tricky-looking December off to the perfect start with a 3-0 mauling of Tottenham, opening a six-point lead.

26 - after ensuring they retain top spot over Christmas, the Blues record a Boxing Day victory over surprise package West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

28 - Hazard earns the Blues a point against high-flying Southampton to ensure the Blues enter 2015 as Premier League leaders by three points - though the Blues are indebted to Burnley's 2-2 draw away at Manchester City.

Click here to view the article

[Spike 12,049]

"the year that was"

Shit title. Didn't read the rest because of it.

[zolayes 14,489]

In a brief trip down memory lane, TalkChelsea reminisce about some of the greatest moments in 2014.

From the numerous highs to the occasional lows, 2014 was another rollercoaster of a year for Chelsea Football Club - and here we recount some of our favourite memorable moments from the past twelve months.

January

1 - the Blues kick off 2014 with a superb 3-0 demolition of the season's surprise packages - Southampton - on New Year's Day. The fixture marks Juan Mata's 135th and final Chelsea appearance as he later makes a £37 million move to Manchester United.

19 - a Samuel Eto'o hat-trick helps the Blues to three points against United in front of a jubilant Stamford Bridge crowd.

31 - on transfer deadline day, Chelsea agree a deal to sign French centre-back Kurt Zouma from St Etienne, with the youngster remaining with les Verts until the end of the season.

February

3 - Branislav Ivanovic scores a stunning half-volley to help Chelsea to three points at the Etihad Stadium in one of the best team performances in recent memory. The Blues close to gap on Manchester City to mere goal difference at the top of the table.

8 - Eden Hazard scores the first treble of his Chelsea career as the Blues beat Newcastle 3-0 at the Bridge.

22 - After dominating Everton for 90 minutes without being able to find the back of the net, Frank Lampard scores a 94th-minute winner to - temporarily - move Chelsea to the top of the table.

March

1 - in Andre Schurrle's coming-of-age in a Chelsea shirt, the German scores a brilliant second-half hat-trick against Fulham to move the Blues four points clear at the top of the table, though Manchester City have two games-in-hand.

8 - the Blues follow up that derby victory with a 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham, with Eto'o laughing off José Mourinho's "old man" claims.

22 - further derby joy follows as Arsenal are destroyed in Arsene Wenger's 1000th game in charge by a 6-0 scoreline.

April

5 - Frank Lampard scores his 211th - and final - Chelsea goal in a routine win over Stoke. The goal is the 250th of Lampard's club career

8 - a dramatic 87th minute goal from Demba Ba sees Chelsea into the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, at the expense of Paris St-Germain. The French side had led 3-1 from the first leg, but Ba's goal saw the Blues through on away goals.

19 - the Blues' title hopes are all but over as Sunderland record an incredible - but also controversial - win at Stamford Bridge that ends Mourinho's 77-game unbeaten streak as Chelsea boss. Former Chelsea striker Fabio Borini - on loan from Liverpool - scored the winner from the penalty spot after a disputable decision by Mike Dean.

27 - Steven Gerrard's slip hands Chelsea a brilliant win at Liverpool. Ba scores again to effectively save football and set up a late title charge from Manchester City.

May

5 - though the first-team would end the season trophyless, the Blues' Youth Team battles from 3-2 down to win a dramatic FA Youth Cup final 7-6 on aggregate after a stunning 5-3 win over neighbours Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

13 - at the conclusion of the season, club captain John Terry signs a contract extension, with the defender winning three Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League with the Blues.

June

3 - Lampard announces his departure from Chelsea after 13 years, 648 appearances, 211 goals and eleven major honours.

12 - the departure of Lampard is soothed by the arrival of Cesc Fabrgeas from Barcelona for a reported £30 million. The former Arsenal man takes the number four shirt vacated by David Luiz's sale to PSG 24 hours later.

July

1 - Ashley Cole departs Chelsea after eight years with the club; winning one Premier League, 4 FA Cups, 1 League Cup and one Champions League. Eto'o, Henrique Hilário and Sam Hutchinson all join Cole in leaving the club. Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer agrees a new contract on the same day.

15 - Diego Costa becomes the second major acquisition of the summer, joining from Atletico Madrid. Club-mate Filipe Luis joins Costa in swapping el Calderon for Stamford Bridge by agreeing to a move the following day, before making the move official on 18 July.

18 - Costa's arrival signals the end of Ba's Chelsea career as the Senegalese forward joins Besiktas for £4.7 million.

25 - a week after Ba's departure, a club legend in Didier Drogba re-signs for the Blues, two years after leaving as a European champion. The Ivorian's return allows Romelu Lukaku to end his Chelsea purgatory by permanently joining Everton, whilst Ryan Bertrand signs for Southampton on loan, replacing Manchester United-bound Luke Shaw.

August

18 - Costa scores on his debut as Chelsea outclass newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor.

30 - the Blues win a remarkable game against old boys Eto'o and Lukaku as Chelsea overcome Everton by a remarkable 6-3 scoreline - with Costa scoring in the 1st and 90th minutes to make it four goals in three games for his new club.

31 - after seeing £50 million flop Fernando Torres agree to a two-year loan deal at AC Milan, Chelsea bring in further striking cover with the signing of Loic Remy from Queens Park Rangers.

September

21 - after Schurrle had given Chelsea the lead against ten-man Manchester City, former Blues vice-captain Lampard comes off the bench to earn the champions a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad.

October

5 - goals from Hazard and Costa see Chelsea to another defeat of Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, moving them five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

18 - Fabregas' first Premier League goal for Chelsea - capping a sweeping team move - earns the Blues another derby win, this time against Crystal Palace.

28 - Costa, Thibaut Courtois and Hazard are among the nominees for the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or, while Mourinho is nominated for the 2014 FIFA World Coach of the Year.

November

1 - Oscar's stunning goal sees the Blues to a 2-1 win against local rivals QPR, though Mourinho is critical of the Stamford Bridge crowd.

8 - the Blues come from behind to record a second league win at Anfield in 2014 - this time Costa does the honours of applying the coup de grâce as the Blues maintained a four-point gap over second-placed Southampton.

25 - Former Chelsea boss Roberto di Matteo suffers a 0-5 home defeat at the hand of his former employers as Terry's second-minute goal led the Blues to their biggest win on German soil.

December

3 - the Blues get a tricky-looking December off to the perfect start with a 3-0 mauling of Tottenham, opening a six-point lead.

26 - after ensuring they retain top spot over Christmas, the Blues record a Boxing Day victory over surprise package West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

28 - Hazard earns the Blues a point against high-flying Southampton to ensure the Blues enter 2015 as Premier League leaders by three points - though the Blues are indebted to Burnley's 2-2 draw away at Manchester City.

Click here to view the article

December 31st a stinking end to the year . Look forward to 2015 and destroying ALL our enemies .. Have a fucking awful

year Frank

[BlueLion. 21,491]

"the year that was"

Shit title. Didn't read the rest because of it.

You seem to have a complex that gives you the impression that people give a fuck what you think.

[Spike 12,049]

You seem to have a complex that gives you the impression that people give a fuck what you think.

Ouch, try not to say what others think about you. So many articles unread.

[DavidEU 2,023]

Well I read and enjoyed it all. Nice one Alex.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Well I read and enjoyed it all. Nice one Alex.

Cheers mate, happy new year!

[Heisenberg 1,824]

Overall, a bad year for Chelsea standards.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

^ I would agree, though last year got off to a considerably better start....

[bluephoenix 1,126]

good read thanks mate

2015 start has been terrible !!!!

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Well 2014 started well and ended up shit... if 2015 starts shit and ends up well...

[OhMalouda 10]

A disappointing first half, however the second half of the year could be the start of something special. Good read, definitely some memorable moments!

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Thanks for reading