Chelsea's Premier League title defence certainly did not go as expected during the 2015/16 season.
The Blues produced the club's worst start to a league season, winning just three of their first 12 fixtures, which ultimately led to the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December.
Dutchman Guus Hiddink was appointed on an interim basis to do a patchwork job for Roman Abramovich and he managed to deliver in spades.
Chelsea ended up 10th on the Premier League table, losing three of their 22 matches after the change, in what was an impressive escape following a horrific start.
Don't expect that to happen again at Stamford Bridge as a busy summer of transfer under new manager Antonio Conte will revitalise the squad and get them ready for a tilt at the 2017 premiership.
BLUES SNAPSHOT
POSITION: 10th
WIN-DRAW-LOSS RECORD:12-14-12
POINTS:50
GOALS FOR-AGAINST:59-53
CHELSEA'S TOP 3
SCORERS:Diego Costa 12, Pedro Rodriguez 7, Cesc Fabregas, Willian both 5
ASSISTS: Willian 10, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas both 7
CLEAN SHEETS (leader):Thibaut Courtois 5
YELLOW CARDS:Diego Costa 8, Cesar Azpilicueta 7, John Obi Mikel 6
RED CARDS: Thibaut Courois, John Terry both 2
EA SPORTS Player Performance Index: Cesc Fabregas 617, Diego Costa 533, Willians 512
TRIBAL'S TOP BOY
Willian
TWITTER TALK
Thank you very much for your support in a difficult season. We'll bounce back next season. #GoBluespic.twitter.com/aV40pAz5WF
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) May 15, 2016
Thank you for your support in this difficult season.
We will bounce back stronger next year! #CFChttps://t.co/BJhsDVQekd
— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) May 16, 2016
Thanks for your support during this complicated season! And thanks to Guus for his work,it has been a pleasure! #CFCpic.twitter.com/QxzUclHvpU
— César Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) May 15, 2016
Thanks for all your amazing support this season, I'll be back stronger and hungrier for next season pic.twitter.com/0nL8n8oeOS
— Ruben Loftus-Cheek (@rubey_lcheek) May 17, 2016
FROM THE BOSS
"It's always difficult to say goodbye, I have been here twice and I have enjoyed it, although it was difficult to get the team from the relegation zone to where we are now.
“It's not enough for Chelsea standards but to say goodbye is difficult for a club I love."
- Guus Hiddink on Sky Sports, May 2016.
STAT STORY
*Thanks to Opta
15 – Chelsea set the longest unbeaten run by any side in the PL this season, going 15 without a loss between December and March. Recovery.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 16, 2016
