When the Blues Came to Town: Recalling a Pivotal Premier League Clash Under Mourinho

Ah, December 2014. What a time for Chelsea, for football really, under the watchful, some might say intense, gaze of Jose Mourinho. The Blues were, in truth, on an absolute roll, a juggernaut of sorts, slicing through the Premier League without a single defeat marring their record. Every match felt like a statement, a confirmation of their dominance, and the trip to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light was, you could say, no different – though perhaps carrying its own subtle weight of expectation.

Mourinho, ever the strategist, had laid out a starting eleven that day which, looking back, just oozed quality. Thibaut Courtois, the towering presence between the sticks; a back four that featured the ever-reliable Branislav Ivanovic, the resolute Gary Cahill, the legendary John Terry – yes, the captain himself – and the dynamic César Azpilicueta. Honestly, it was a defensive line that could, and often did, repel just about anything thrown its way.

But the engine room, that’s where things got really interesting. Nemanja Matic, a colossus, shielding the defence with an almost effortless grace, partnered by the maestro, Cesc Fabregas. And what a pairing it was, providing both steel and sublime creativity. Ahead of them, the attacking trident: the industrious Willian, the ever-clever Oscar, and Eden Hazard – oh, Eden Hazard – who, on his day, was simply unplayable. Up front, spearheading the attack, was the formidable Diego Costa. A true goal machine, a relentless presence; he was the kind of striker who just knew where the net was.

You see, this wasn't just a collection of talented individuals; it was a cohesive unit, a well-oiled machine, meticulously crafted by Mourinho. The bench, too, was brimming with talent, ready to step in should the need arise. Petr Cech, Filipe Luis, Kurt Zouma, John Obi Mikel, Ramires, André Schürrle, and Loïc Rémy – any one of them could have started for most other top-flight teams. It really showcased the depth Chelsea possessed that season, didn't it?

Injuries, of course, are part and parcel of the game, and Chelsea was not entirely immune. Fernando Torres, Marco van Ginkel, and Nathan Aké were all sidelined, but, and this is crucial, the strength in depth meant their absences, while noted, didn’t seem to truly derail the squad’s momentum. The focus remained sharp, the ambition unwavering.

So, as Chelsea lined up against Sunderland that chilly December evening, the stage was set. It was more than just three points on the line; it was about maintaining that incredible unbeaten streak, about solidifying their perch atop the Premier League table, and frankly, about sending another clear message to every other contender. And what a season it proved to be, shaped by moments just like these, by lineups so carefully chosen, by a team utterly determined to write its own history. A genuinely fascinating chapter in Chelsea’s illustrious story, if you ask me.