5 key games that won Chelsea the title

1. Everton vs. Chelsea (April 30)

What had been a double-digit Chelsea lead in the title race had dwindled to four points in April. With Spurs playing exceptionally well, Chelsea couldn’t afford to lose yet another game. The Blues had lost two of their previous six matches, closing a massive gap at the top of the table.

Sure, Spurs had the tougher remaining schedule, but Chelsea couldn’t afford to drop points. The champions were faced with the daunting task of defeating Everton at Goodison Park, something only one other club had done all season.

Lose and the gap could close to one point. Win and the title would likely go to the Blues.

For much of the match, Chelsea struggled to find the back of the net. Tensions grew among Chelsea fans as the reality of possibly blowing the title race wide open set in.

Until the 66th minute.

Pedro bent a brilliant shot into the top corner from just outside the 18-yard box to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead. Excitement and relief overcame the away fans.

Thirteen short minutes later, captain Gary Cahill secured Chelsea’s fate. A tap-in off a set-piece doubled Chelsea’s advantage. Chants of “we’re gonna win the league” echoed throughout Goodison Park from the away fans.

Next: Boro relegated after 3-0 loss to Chelsea

Reality was beginning to set in. Chelsea left Goodison Park with a 3-0 victory over Everton. The Blues captured the title two weeks after the decisive win against the Toffees.