Chelsea 2004-05 !!better!! (2024)

Chelsea began the season with a 1–0 victory over Manchester United, a result that served as a statement of intent. The defining characteristic of the season was not swagger, but inevitability. When Chelsea led, they did not concede; when the game was tight, they found a way to win.

The foundation of the season was the defensive record. Chelsea conceded only 15 goals over 38 games, a Premier League record that stands to this day. The central defensive partnership of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho was pivotal. Terry provided the leadership and aerial dominance, while Carvalho offered the pace and technical ability to play a high line. Protected by the defensive midfield screen of Claude Makélélé, this backline became impenetrable. Makélélé’s role was redefined; his position is now colloquially known as the "Makélélé role," sitting deep to break up play and allow the full-backs, Paulo Ferreira and William Gallas (later Asier del Horno), to operate with security behind them. chelsea 2004-05