The guard is changing At Chelsea after Thiago Silva is let go with the youngsters returning to Europe
Dom Smith
Through the majority of the season, it was a shambles However, a positive ending to the season at Chelsea implies that European football will be back at Stamford Bridge next term.
The Blues must wait to see if that means participating with the Europa League or instead the Europa Conference League. The latter will be the case until Manchester United beat their city rivals the next Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Mauricio Pochettino‘s team will not be worrying themselves with a variety of scenarios that are not within their control, however. It’s because, in the end that by focusing on themselves that they’ve actually gotten themselves in this position which has left them in a much stronger unit as they began it.
This victory of 2-1 against Bournemouth on the last night in the campaign witnessed Chelsea end the season with five victories from their last five matches. amazing form for a team which has been struggling for the same thing — consistency during a turbulent past three years.
It was a heartfelt goodbye of Thiago Silva who is returning to Fluminense this season, bringing to an end his four-year stint within West London that has included winning the Champions League, the darkest seasons of Chelsea’s history, and everything else in between.
While tifos and shouts and the mid-May sun made this game have the distinct sensation of playing the 38th game in the season that lasted 38 games It never failed to exhibit a sporty spirit, as demonstrated by the yellow flag displayed in the face of Antoine Semenyo after he threw Marc Cucurella to the turf.
Raheem Sterling’s second-half strike may not have been as spectacular to witness however it demonstrated the class of Chelsea’s attack when the older statesman led Bournemouth to the left side, then and then turned Illia Zabarnyi inwards and cut through Neto’s legs.
It’s a matter of concern for Pochettino that the gap between his team and their rivals lasted less than 1 second before Cherries hit back with Enes Unal. But, Chelsea saw out the game with a mature attitude, allowing Bournemouth get on top of them but under a controlled coach and still having a chance in the final third.
Chelsea did leave a bit to chance when Dominic Solanke missed the perfect chance to steal the draw in a 2-2 match to The Cherries with his old club however, the hosts were deservedly their win.
Silva was greeted by a band in the tunnel, and was greeted by the honour guards of his teammates following the last whistle. This was an appropriate way to say goodbye for a veteran player who is a winner and has won more then his share of the Champions League with Chelsea. It’s it up to the new crop to make sure that Chelsea are competing for the most prestigious awards soon.
