First Premier League Title Win 2005

Lore & Background

Chelsea continued spending vast sums of money in their third season under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, signing Michael Essien from Lyon and Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City for more than £20 million each. In the Champions League, Chelsea aimed to improve upon their second straight semi-final placing the previous year, but exited the competition in the first knockout round to FC Barcelona. In the FA Cup, they managed to improve on their third-round exit in the previous season, but fell short in the semi-final, losing 2–1 to Liverpool. After winning the League Cup in the previous season, they failed to defend their title by taking an early third-round exit to Charlton Athletic on penalties.

In Their Own Story

The final whistle had barely blown at Old Trafford when the realization hit: it was done. No frantic celebrations of survival, no desperate last-minute goals needed. Just a calm, almost eerie confidence as the players walked off the pitch at Stamford Bridge days later, knowing they had rewritten history. The roar of the crowd wasn't just for the win; it was for the vindication of forty-nine years of waiting. In that moment, the 'Chelsea' of the past dissolved, replaced by a dynasty in the making.

Reader's Guide

The season was momentous for Chelsea's record-breaking start to the Premier League season where they won their opening nine games in a row, which is the best start to a Premier League season by any side. The Blues proceeded to claim 20 wins from their first 22 league games, the strongest start recorded to a title defence in the Premier League era. Upon retaining their Champion status, Chelsea equalled the record for most victories within a league season (29), matching their total from the previous year. As of 2020, Chelsea 2005–06 hold joint Premier League records for most wins at home in a season (18) and fewest home defeats in a season (0). They were also the first Premier League team to win against every other opposition team in a season.

Did You Know?

• Chelsea won their opening nine Premier League games in a row, the best start to a Premier League season by any side.
• Chelsea equalled the record for most victories within a league season (29), matching their total from the previous year.
• Chelsea were the first Premier League team to win against every other opposition team in a season.