Top scorers, assists & player of the year

It would be a serious understatement to say that the 2023/24 was a weird old season for Chelsea.

The Blues, under the management of new boss Mauricio Pochettino, threatened to go completely off the rails after another manic summer of spending, only to rally in the final few months to secure a place in next season’s Europa League – assuming Manchester City do them a favour and beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

It was also a year that saw one of English football’s brightest young talents string together one of the best debuts campaigns on record.

Here’s a look back at the rollercoaster ride that was Chelsea‘s 2023/24 campaign.

Cole Palmer

Could it be anybody else?

When Chelsea were at their lowest, they could always rely on the sheer brilliance of Cole Palmer to bail them out. With 22 goals in 34 games, he finished behind only Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race, while no player in England’s top flight was involved in more goals than Palmer’s 33.

Regardless of what the future holds for Chelsea, Palmer proved he must be the focal point.

Honourable mentions: Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson

Moises Caicedo vs Bournemouth

Chelsea scored 103 goals across the 2023/24 campaign but it was the penultimate strike from midfielder Moises Caicedo which really stood out from the bunch.

Collecting a hurried clearance just inside his own half, Caicedo took one touch to control the ball before unleashing a gorgeous strike from unbelievable range which dropped perfectly into the back of the Bournemouth net.

It was his first Chelsea goal and Caicedo will do well to score a better one in future.

Honourable mentions: Cole Palmer vs Luton, Enzo Fernandez vs Aston Villa, Noni Madueke vs Leicester, Conor Gallagher vs Aston Villa

Chelsea 5-0 West Ham

Chelsea’s season got better as the calendar kept turning and they were at the peak of their powers in the 36th game of the Premier League season as they thumped West Ham United 5-0.

With 70% possession, 25 shots on goal and a fluid tactical plan that saw Marc Cucurella inverting into midfield, Chelsea finally looked like they were on to something as they utterly tormented West Ham. Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Noni Madueke all netted before Nicolas Jackson’s double secured a…