Chelsea 2018/19 season review: Strong finish masks mid-season strain

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Phil Costa·30 May 2019

There were times when everything looked like combusting, but third place and Europa League glory make everything look rosy.

Plenty of questions – both on and off the pitch – still need to be answered though.

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Here’s what we made of their season.

Where would Chelsea be without Eden Hazard?

He was at his scintillating best throughout 2018/19, scoring 21 goals and assisting 17 – streets ahead of any other Blues player.

It’s unlikely the Belgian will be at Stamford Bridge next season, but he drove their top-four battle almost singlehandedly.

How is it possible for a player with so much natural ability to contribute so little?

Mateo Kovačić looked to be an astute signing after two difficult seasons at Real Madrid, but games pass him by every week.

There is no option-t0-buy in his loan deal – it’s unlikely Chelsea would have activated it anyway.

We’re happy for him!

The 60-year-old can be quite prickly, his football can be stale and the infamous Kovačić for Barkley change seems to happen every week.

But Sarri had to put up with a lot this season and has come through relatively well.

The writing was on the wall after Kepa-gate in the League Cup final, however, a strong finish puts them in a good place.

Chelsea need to decide whether they want to back Sarri or sack him.

Because based on that, their youth policy, squad management and style of play will all be affected going forward.

The Blues are still an in-between side, with a mixture of Antonio Conte players and Sarri players.

With a transfer ban now in place they’ll need to have a clear structure to build from.