After theirremarkable second-half comeback and 3-1 win against Leicester at the KingPower Stadium on Wednesday night, Chelsea could be champions for the first timein five years, if they defeat Crystal Palace at home on Sunday lunchtime.
LeicesterCity, who were one point above the relegation places, were fiercely determinedto stay in the league. They dominated the game from the start and eventually tookthe lead after Marc Albrighton’s first-half injury-time opener; the Foxes’winger kicked in a cross from Jamie Vardy, who took the ball from CesarAzpilicueta, as he slipped on the wet grass in the pouring rain.
But, as thehome fans celebrated the lead, Chelsea hit back just three minutes into thesecond half; the 37 year-old striker Didier Drogba restored parity by sweepingin a cut-back from Branislav Ivanovic’s pass, to make it 1-1. Moments later, thegreat Ivorian international repeated his attacking intent, but the ball went wellover the bar.
After the equaliser,Chelsea took charge; the Blues captain scored in the 79th minute,after Kasper Schmeichel saved a Gary Cahill header from a Fabregas corner, butthe rebound fell onto John Terry, who sent the ball over the line. He becamethe joint-highest scoring defender in the history of the Premier League with 38goals.
Fourminutes later, Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Ramires added the final touchwith a superb 20-yard strike, which flew in the top-left corner.
With thisvictory, the title is within Chelsea’s grasp - with a 13-point margin, it isnow a question of when, rather than if, for Jose Mourinho, as he moved towardshis third title at Stamford Bridge.
And as theBlues hope to wrap up in style at home on Sunday, their three most loyal andoutstanding players - Petr Cech, Terry and Drogra, who were at the club when theywon the Premier League for the first time in 2005, were all on the pitch onWednesday night, and were remarkable.
Hopefully, the three giants will berewarded for their efforts and dedication on Sunday.
As for thehome side, their manager Nigel Pearson beliefs that the Foxes’ recently improvedform will help them to retain their Premier League status.