You could have forgiven a lot of Blues fans for becoming pessimistic after the departure of The Special One, to be replaced by Avram Grant. His first match was a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, and he was already under immense pressure from mystified fans and the media alike. Still question marks remain over whether he will be there in the summer, but to have reached the Champions League Final and to go into the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season level on points with the leaders makes it hard to believe Grant could be considered a failure. The Carling Cup defeat to Tottenham appeared to be the final straw, but massive credit has to go to Avram Grant for the way his team have responded. They have hit top form at the right time, and the recent games against Manchester United and Liverpool have probably been their two best footballing performances this season. Their season has been filled with stories of player unrest and persistent transfer rumours over their biggest stars, and if they end the season trophyless you can't help but think these rumours will intensify. May will be a vital month for the future of Avram Grant and Chelsea Football Club.
So how deep will Roman dig into his pockets this summer? It's difficult to see where Chelsea can strengthen, they have a world-class squad. It's more of a case to get these world-class players to play consistently well, week-in, week-out. Florent Malouda arrived with a big reputation and hasn't really delivered, Shevchenko still looks like he doesn't know where he is and Ballack needs to put in more performances like he did against Manchester United. The shadow of Jose Mourinho looms large over Stamford Bridge, and if he does end up at Inter Milan as many believe he will there may be a battle to keep the likes of Drogba and Lampard. Of course if a new manager arrives in the summer, we may see a mass clear-out at the Bridge. It promises to be another summer of mystery and speculation at Chelsea.
Player Of The Season: Michael Essien
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