Over the next week, football.london will be taking a look back at the key events at Stamford Bridge over an unforgettable 2022.
Following the Romelu Lukaku controversy and some grumbles over the perceived unfairness of Chelsea's gruelling Premier League schedule, February will be remembered as the month Chelsea Football Club became World Champions.
Out in Abu Dhabi, the Blues attempted to go one step further than they did in 2012's FIFA Club World Cup when they lost to Corinthians in shocking fashion. This time standing in their way was the Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal in the semi-final. A Lukaku goal followed by a muted celebration was enough to see Chelsea progress to the final.
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With Thomas Tuchel back on the touchline after completing his isolation after getting COVID, Chelsea huffed and puffed against a shrewd and well-organised Palmeiras who had won the Copa Libertadores.
Again the maligned Lukaku opened the scoring but the lead did not last long as a Thiago Silva handball gave Raphael Veiga the chance to make it 1-1. A very tense end to the 90 minutes followed the two goals, heading into extra time when another spot kick would prove decisive. With the game heading towards a shootout, Palmeiras defender Luan brought down Kai Havertz inside the box. Following a VAR check, the penalty was given.
Havertz, who had already netted an iconic Chelsea goal the previous May in Porto, stepped up and calmly restored the lead, securing the Club World Cup. This act completed the set of trophies in Chelsea history, marking a point in Roman Abramovich's era owning the club and the success achieved.
Abramovich made a rare appearance on the pitch after the game, celebrating with Tuchel and the players, taking pictures with the trophy. Few would have anticipated this would be the last time fans would see Abramovich as the owner as a couple of weeks later, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and increasing scrutiny growing in the UK, Abramovich announced he was stepping back.
"During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities," Abramovich said in the statement.
"I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC."
This came on the eve of Chelsea's second final of the month, this time in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley. A game slightly overshadowed by the statement and its potential implications. One former MP even condemned Chelsea supporters who may potentially celebrate on Sunday if the Blues won, setting the tone for the mood towards supporters in the coming months.
Liverpool won a tight game that went all the way to an astonishing penalty shootout, seeing Kepa Arrizabalaga blaze over his penalty after all outfield players had scored. The month ended in further Wembley heartbreak but the following month was going to spark a radical shift in the club's history as the first mention of Todd Boehly's name emerged.
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