An Obituary: Chelsea Football Club; Unbeaten At Home In The EPL 2004-2008

It started in March 2004, with a goal by Eidur Gudjohnsen against Fulham, and ended with Nicholas Anelka scoring the final goal against Aston Villa in October 2008.

It was a run that transcended four managers, 64 players and three who were there for the beginning and the end. (John Terry, Frank Lampard and Wayne Bridge)

In total there were 219 goals and countless moments of magic.

The middle of the run saw Chelsea claim back-to-back Premier League titles, at a time when they looked untouchable at Fortress Stamford Bridge. But there were still those occasions when the record was kept intact by the skin of their teeth.

Michael Essien will stay in Chelsea folklore for THAT goal in the 84th minute against Arsenal in 2007 and Didier Drogba’s two goals in seven minutes against the same opposition in March stopped former Blue—William Gallas from ending the run.

Honourable mention must also go to Manchester United who were 10 minutes from victory only last month before Saloman Kalou rose to head home.

The biggest win over the four-year period came almost exactly a year ago against Sven Goran Erikkson’s then high-flying Manchester City, who were dispatched 6-0, Derby also going down 6-1 in the same season.

Sixty of the matches came under the management of Jose Mourinho, who hasn’t lost a home league match for nearly six years, spanning his spells at Porto, Chelsea and Inter.

Chelsea’s run finally came to an end on Sunday 26th October 2008, with Liverpool winning 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Perhaps it was written in the stars for Rafa Benitez’s side to win, as Liverpool were the former holders of the record, going 63 games unbeaten between 1978 and 1981.

In this age of professional football, there is no doubt that this record will live to stand the test of time.

Arsenal have ‘The Invincibles,” Liverpool have their “five Euros,” and now Chelsea can look back on “The Fortress.”

My favourite memory over the four years? Easy. The 3-0 win over Manchester United to retain the title in 2006, never have champions been crowned in a more emphatic way.

But hats off to Liverpool, they got it right on Sunday. They are very much in the title race, and whilst the rest of us might write them off, the simple fact is, they are ahead, and we are chasing them. I know where I’d rather be.