Chelsea in 2024: Manchester United to Tottenham – Top 5 Wins for The Blues in Calendar Year

Add as a preferred source on Google

2024 proved a year of mixed fortunes for Chelsea. The club, which had become an epitome of mismanagement under Mauricio Pochettino, continued a late-season uptick in form under new manager Enzo Maresca, possibly ending the year as the Premier League’s most in-form team.

The Blues under former boss Pochettino had a rotten 2023-24 Premier League season, with inconsistency thwarting any title challenge. However, a late resurgence under the Argentine saw the club claw their way to a 6th-place Premier League finish, securing European football for the following year.

The London club has maintained that rise under their new gaffer, Maresca. They have avoided defeats against stronger opponents while swatting away teams from the lower ends of the table.

Chelsea’s highlights in 2024 included their run to the EFL Cup final and an improved defensive record in the Premier League’s closing stages. A refreshed squad after major January reinforcements and key performances by players like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, and Nicolas Jackson added to the optimism under Maresca.

Below, we rank Chelsea’s five best wins in calendar year 2024:

#1. Chelsea 4-3 Manchester United (April 5, 2024, Premier League)

Goalscorers: Gallagher 4’, Palmer 19’ (pen.), 90+10’ (pen.), 90+11’ (pen.); Garnacho 34’, 67’, Fernandes 39’

In a Stamford Bridge thriller, Cole Palmer delivered a historic hat-trick, including two goals deep into added time, to secure Chelsea’s comeback win over Manchester United. Gallagher opened the scoring early, but United surged ahead with goals from Garnacho and Fernandes.

Trailing 3-2 in stoppage time, Palmer coolly converted two penalties in the 91st and 101st minutes to complete the Premier League's latest winning goal ever. This pulsating victory, which was voted the second-best match of EPL 2023-24, encapsulated Chelsea's newfound resilience.

#2. Chelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough (January 23, 2024, EFL Cup Semi-Final)

Goalscorers: Howson (OG) 15’, Fernández 29’, Disasi 36’, Palmer 42’, 77’, Madueke 81’; Rogers 88’

After a shock 1-0 first-leg defeat, Chelsea dominated the return leg to secure a place in the EFL Cup final. The game featured a cascade of goals, with Enzo Fernández, Disasi, and Palmer among the scorers.

Palmer’s brace and an own goal from Middlesbrough’s Jonny Howson highlighted Chelsea’s ruthlessness. Although they fell short in the final, this emphatic win showcased their attacking firepower.

#3. Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea (December 8, 2024, Premier League)

Goalscorers: Solanke 5’, Kulusevski 11’, Son 90+6’; Sancho 17’, Palmer (pen.) 61’, 84’, Fernández 73’

Chelsea pulled off a sensational comeback in the London derby, silencing Spurs fans at the death. Goals from Palmer (2), Fernández, and Sancho sealed the win, overcoming an early Spurs surge led by Solanke and Kulusevski. Son’s late goal made it close, but Chelsea’s counterattacking quality shone through in one of their most thrilling victories.

#4. Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur (May 2, 2024, Premier League)

Goalscorers: Chalobah 24’, Jackson 72’

This understated win was pivotal to Chelsea’s late-season surge. Goals from Chalobah and Jackson not only secured a much-needed win but also led to an astonishing five-match winning run at the tail-end of the season, thus securing Chelsea’s 6th-place finish. It marked the turning point in Chelsea’s campaign, reflecting their improved form under Pochettino during the closing stages.

#5. Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United (October 27, 2024, Premier League)

Goalscorers: Jackson 18’, Palmer 47’; Isak 32’

A morale-boosting win against a high-flying Newcastle side helped Chelsea launch an eight-match unbeaten run. Goals from Jackson and Palmer set Stamford Bridge alight, showing their knack for overcoming tough opponents. This result proved crucial in lifting Chelsea’s confidence during Maresca’s early days at the helm.