The month ended with Chelsea reaffirming their grip on the league with a 4-2 victory over Blackburn. However, loosing to Charlton left the Blues now potentially looking at three trophies, as the unlikely chance to "do the quadruple" evaporated.

November, and the waver in Chelsea's form remained an issue as the Blues lost to both Real Betis and Manchester United in Europe and the league; each match lost by a single goal while failing to find the net – suddenly people had stopped calling English football dull! However the Chelsea "wobble" that so many hoped and longed for never quite materialised, The Special One turned the screw and fine-tuned his machine-of-war once again.

The remainder of the month saw the Blues rack up three wins on the bounce against Newcastle, Anderlecht in Europe and Portsmouth, a total of seven goals scored while keeping three clean sheets. The victory over Anderlecht guaranteed the Blues a route into the next round of the Champions League, and a win over Liverpool in the return leg at Stamford Bridge would enable them to top the group, something however, that Mr Mourinho insisted was not critical.

Domestically, Chelsea still held the top league spot with a powerful 10-point advantage, the table finally taking a more familiar form with Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in 1st to 4th position respectively.

The last month of 2005 - December featured a cluster of seven games, the Blues busiest period so far this season. Six league games and six victories against Middlesboro, Wigan, Fulham, Manchester City, Birmingham, and most notably, a 2-0 victory over local rivals Arsenal cap a powerful response to the previous month's losses.

In the only other December match, Chelsea took on Liverpool in the return leg of their Champions League group stage clash; again the game ends predictably in deadlock. The match however, is not without controversy; midfield powerhouse Michael Essien makes a total hash of an attempt to win the ball from Dietmar Hamann, the Ghanaian appearing to stamp fiercely on the German internationals upper shin. Although clearly non-malicious to the objective observer, constant repeated TV replays in slow motion appear to catalyse Fifa into sanctioning a two-match ban for Essien.

The draw is made for the knockout stages of the Champions League and the Blues come up trumps, after exorcising last season's demons against Liverpool, Barcelona are given the chance to do the same when the Catalans are drawn against Chelsea for the second time in as many years – it's a match that banned Essien was destined to miss.

January featured two Premiership victories and one draw for Chelsea, against West Ham, Sunderland and Charlton respectively. The month also played host to Chelsea's first FA Cup matches, seeing some big names rested, the fringe Blues squad eventually overcame Huddersfield. In the next round, Chelsea drew with Everton for the second time this season – forcing a replay on the now rapidly deteriorating Stamford Bridge pitch.

The month ended with the Blues notching up a dominant 14-point cushion at the pinnacle of the league table. The draw against Charlton was the first Premiership match at Stamford Bridge the Blues failed to win after an impressive six months into the season.

Chelsea entered February knowing it was approaching D-Day - the Barcelona grudge match now clearly on the horizon. After drawing with Aston Villa the Blues entertained Liverpool following a six game run during which Chelsea failed to keep a single clean sheet and were forced to settle with draws in their last three matches. Chelsea's performance was powerful and they eventually ran out 2-0 winners.
Although an incident that made Blues supporters cringe, and the rest of the nations fans and media explode with criticism, left the victory tinted with the tasteless memory of naive Arjen Robben dropping like a stone after Reina's cheek tickle.

The FA Cup replay on the ever-worsening Chelsea "sandpit" saw the Blues crush Everton 4-1. The mental and physical relief at the win and the issue of the forthcoming Champions League showdown must have been a distraction for the champions. It showed. For the fist time since the arrival of boss Jose Mourinho, the Blues well and truly took their eye off the ball and were hammered 3-0 by Middlesboro, a humbling that The Special One had no argument for, rightly crediting the Teessiders for their performance.

Bouncing back by beating Colchester 3-1 in the FA Cup saw the Blues finally ready to face Barcelona. With the "war of words" aside, the muddy match kicked off and looked to be a real spectacle, until early in the game, following a clumsy body check by Del Horno on Lionel Messi, the Spaniard saw red from referee Terje Hague, probably aided in his decision by the Argentines dramatic reaction to the "yellow card worthy" offence. Chelsea responded by playing like a team possessed, the 10 men forcing a goal when John Terry pressurised the Barca defence into a mistake. Eventually though, the extra man did show for the Catalans and captain Terry unfortunately headed into his own net before Samuel Eto'o buried a second. At 2-1 to Barcelona, could the Blues do the seemingly impossible and overcome the exuberant Catalans?

A win over Portsmouth closed a chaotic month and despite the loss to Middlesboro, Chelsea still sat 15-points clear of Manchester united - their closest rival.

March, with the spats with Frank Rijkaard and Rafa Benitez now in the past, the next controversial encounter for Mr Mourinho came from an unexpected source. West Brom manager Bryan Robson, incensed at Chelsea's two-minute 2nd half delay on returning to the pitch, looked determined to have it out with the Chelsea boss. It took a frustratingly familiar Drogba roly-poly following a minor clash on the centreline for Robson to snap. The former United star launched a four-letter barrage at "The Special One," who kindly returned it. Yes Robson had a point with the Drogba issue, but when his own striker drops untouched in the Chelsea box it somewhat invalidates his argument. Chelsea went on to win 2-1.

The Barcelona second leg saw the Blues returning to the Camp Nou needing to win the game, scoring at least two away goals and holding the Catalans at bay – no mean feat. With a shift in formation; Robben "in the pocket," Duff and Cole out wide, the match was tight, but Barcelona created the better chances. 0-0 for over 60 minutes, it looked like it would go to the wire before the genius Ronaldinho tore round Terry to fire a rocket past Cech, even a fortunate last minute penalty for the Blues could do nothing to help their cause. Chelsea were out, the fans disappointed, not so much for exiting the tournament, but for going out with such a whimper, when a deafening boom would have been more appropriate.

William Gallas provided some tonic for Chelsea with his injury time pile driver against Tottenham, but the following 1-0 loss away to local rivals Fulham was a real kick in the teeth – Gallas saw red for loosing his head and left Stamford Bridge feeling truly blue. Next was Newcastle in the FA Cup, an early John Terry goal from close range was enough to end legend Alan Shearer's final hunt for silverware with his beloved Toon Army.

Finally, and not soon enough, a league match with Manchester City signaled the end to another month of difficulty for the Blues. Two unanswered Didier Drogba goals were enough to see off Stuart Pearce's squad. The second goal coming after the Ivorian striker handled in front of goal. In a moment of bewilderment for many, Drogba went on to admit post match that; not only had he handled the ball (which is not really a major issue, considering how many strikers get away with such infringements, and never admit their deeds), but that he does "sometimes dive," before retracting, saying: "I don't dive."

His comments, and the embarrassing actions of Robben fuelled further criticism of the Blues, with many Chelsea fans voicing their own distaste at the encroaching culture of diving – which it is vital to point out is by no means unique of Chelsea, as wonder boy Steven Gerrard highlighted recently against Bolton.

In the draw for the FA Cup semi-finals, Chelsea, in keeping with recent trends were seeded against tough rivals Liverpool in the Blues pursuit of the sought after "double," since their loss to Barcelona had ended their dreams of a possible "treble." Elsewhere, chasing Manchester United played their game in hand and continued their run of form, piling on the pressure following the Blues poor show in the West London derby against Fulham. The Blues cushion seemingly wearing thin, the buffer now reduced to – in the context of the season - a slender 9-points.

April, the Blues travelled to struggling Birmingham, and at a time when they really needed to stamp their foot down and show poised Manchester United that the title was not going anywhere, they couldn't even muster a goal in a frustrating draw, needless to say United went on to win their match, making for a potentially high-octane finale to the season.

Next, Chelsea were to face West Ham at home, the team and supporters alike hoping and wishing for a display of form the like of which seemed to be put on show weekly five months ago. Disaster truly struck; within the first 30 minutes, Chelsea were not only a goal down but also a man down; Maniche's rash lunge saw a straight red produced against the Portuguese international on his fist full start since moving from Moscow on loan. Manchester fans and most neutrals licked their lips, but the fiery glint in their eyes may have been a little premature, the hopes of many extinguished by a display of pure force from the Blues. Not only did Mr Mourinho's men come back from a double deficit – in both score and personnel – they stormed passed the Hammers, scoring four goals without reply. Victors comfortably and powerfully, fans countrywide were left pondering which team really had the extra man.

Things then took a turn for the strange, when Arsene Wenger - of all people - pledged to help out the Blues by beating Manchester United, a promise that he subsequently fails to keep, with the Gunners going on to loose 2-0. The pressure still on, the title is – as it has been for most of the season – Chelsea's to loose! With things getting tense at the top, the last few games would prove vital to all. A day earlier than the Blues vs. Bolton match, Manchester United took on rock bottom Sunderland, anything but a win would condemn the Black Cats to the Championship once again for another rethink. Manchester fans, predicting a high scoring game - to shore up the goal difference between 1st and 2nd - were left stunned as the Reds ground out a goalless draw. The result, in light of Chelsea's previous West Ham match, suggested that; where the Blues appeared to have lacked some of the luck that saw them through many scrapes last season, they seemed to have re-found that guardian angel just when they really needed it.
Next, Chelsea run past Bolton 2-0 winners, knowing the result means if United fail to win against Tottenham in their early match on Bank Holiday Monday, the Blues simply have to beat Everton to clinch that coveted back-to-back crown. United hold on to win, leaving Chelsea knowing beating Everton will leave them needing just a point from their last three games to win the title. Chelsea storm past the Toffees; Didier Drogba's man of the match winning performance rightly capped with a brilliant headed goal, along with Lampard's drive and a screamer from Essien tied up a satisfying step towards silverware.

The small matter of Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final was all that stood in the way of the Manchester United game, in which even a draw would have seen Chelsea celebrating their second successive Premier League crown. With the potential to "do the double," Chelsea fans hoped the Blues would repeat their recent form against rivals Liverpool and their minds were quietly focussed on winning the league title in style – by beating Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea travelled to United's stomping ground - Old Trafford with Liverpool, the stage set for their FA Cup semi-final showdown. Many were predicting a no-score draw, to be ended with Liverpool's successful navigation of a penalty shootout. The Reds must have taken some hope from The Special One's team selection, which left many Blues fans scratching their heads. In keeping with recent weeks, the Chelsea manager paired Drogba and Crespo in attack with a somewhat unfamiliar midfield diamond, a 4-4-2 variation that Mr Mourinho used to great effect during his tenure with Porto. After a harsh free kick was awarded against Terry, the subsequent Chelsea wall practically evaporated as Riise's naturally powerful drive broke the deadlock, early chances falling for Drogba were frustratingly squandered.

Luis Garcia grabbed a second, after a fundamental breakdown in communication left the Spaniard through on Cudicini's goal. The Red's then hung on for dear life as the Blues brought in the firepower; Cole and Robben revitalising the tactical attacking flood. With Chelsea practically camped in the Liverpool half, eventually Drogba made the most of Reina's indecision, but the Reds battened down the hatches as Cole blazed the final chance for the Blues painfully over the bar. "The double" was off, Chelsea were beaten, Liverpool knocking the Blues out of a semi-final for the second year running.

With a bitter Red taste still in the mouth of every Chelsea fan, minds looked forward to clinching a second successive title at home against chasers Manchester United. The Blues started in emphatic fashion, Gallas, as on many occasions this season, stealing in at the post to redirect a nod down past Van der Sar. Chelsea were buoyant, Ronaldo's form was wavering and Joe Cole's fast feet making a mockery of United's defence as he blasted a second past the Dutch keeper. To close the book on the 05/06 season, and championship, a wonder goal from an unlikely source perfectly highlighted Chelsea's true strength in depth. Ricardo Carvalho, making up for some criminal misses earlier in the campaign, scored a memorable goal to complete the demolition of the Reds, recovering the ball in his own box, he fed Lampard and then proceeded to sprint the length of the pitch before receiving the ball back from Cole on the left of United's goal, finally powering a shot past Van Der Sar, a goal that any seasoned hitman would be proud to have scored. The title celebrations, about to erupt, were suddenly dealt a crushing blow, the resonance felt in unity by an entire nation. Under an innocuous challenge from Paulo Ferreira on the edge of the Chelsea box, Wayne Rooney rolled in obvious agony, immediately clutching his right foot, seeing the England talisman stretched off sent a chill down the spine of every football fan in the country.
Rooney received a standing ovation from every corner of Stamford Bridge, a courtesy not paid to Alan Smith by certain "supporters," months earlier for a much more severe injury, regardless of the implications.

It was announced subsequently that the 20 year old had broken two metatarsal bones and is a major doubt for the World Cup, despite Eriksson insisting the young man will travel, fit or not. With the dulling ache of Rooney's injury still fresh in the mind, the Bridge did erupt into joyous, albeit slightly subdued celebration. The players took their moment to bask ecstatically in the unfamiliar glory of winning back-to-back titles.

Jose Mourinho, in a moment of peculiarity, threw firstly the top half to his suit into the Mathew Harding stand, followed by not one, but two championship winners medals, needless to say they were on eBay two days later. Post match, the enigmatic Chelsea boss revealed a few home truths, notably that Chelsea are "the worst team to manage," (due to the fact that his team will never be judged solely by their performance merits or ability), that he felt aggrieved not to have won one manager of the month award (despite guiding his team into a run of seven wins without a single goal conceded from the beginning of the season), and that he had, on two occasions, considered quitting the club. The latter point casting many Blues supporter's minds back across the chaotic months that preceded the title winning match; media reports of arguments, fall-outs and the crumbling foundations of Mr Mourinho's fortress to name but a few. How close he really was to leaving will most likely remain a mystery, it seems however, at least for now, that he will continue with Chelsea next season, maybe with a better understanding of the obsessive barrage of criticism he can expect from media corporations and supporters alike.

May arrived with two games left, the title won and the league trophy adorning the Stamford Bridge cabinet for at least another year. With the crushing injury to Wayne Rooney, and in turn England's World Cup dreams, the Blues boss offered to withdraw his key England players for the remaining matches, games that were no longer integral to Chelsea's title retention campaign: John Terry (who picked up a minor injury against United), Frank Lampard and Joe Cole all suggested as players who may be rested, the former almost certainly ruled out through his battle wounds.

The game against Blackburn, as expected saw a handful of players rested, the two most noticeable absentees being Claude Makalele and John Terry, Makalele giving way for Lassana Diarra to have a rare run out. Blackburn capitalised on the missing Terry, who's marshalling of the Chelsea box is so valued by the Blues, Steven Reid heading in the only goal of the game. Again Chelsea suffer a 1-0 defeat, despite having three penalty claims turned down, including a clear shirt pull on Crespo, the luck simply wasn't there, and not for the first time this year.

The final match of the season saw the Blues travel to St James Park to face a resurgent Newcastle side. Mr Mourinho again rested a handful of his first choice players; Cech, Terry, Lampard, Drogba, Crespo, Essien and Makalele, Carlo Cudicini however injured his ankle during the warm up, giving third choice Lenny Pidgley a rare start. Chelsea played a front three of Robben, Cole and Duff, and with Lassana Diarra deputising for Makalele the match started brightly before an all too familiar lull in attacking threat occurred, a trend that often sees the Blues deficient in their potency without some of their big guns.
Titus Bramble eventually capitalised on a free ball inside the Chelsea box, impressively volleying home from close range. The match proved beyond the makeshift Blues team who, despite Stephen Carr's late dismissal, could not find an opening, Newcastle finishing their rollercoaster season on a high, by beating the reigning champions.

With the season officially over and many eyes now firmly fixed on the impending World Cup, Blues fans will no doubt be wondering what kind of changes will take place at Stamford Bridge during the summer. Eidur Gudjohnsen and William Gallas, two players who are poised to leave the Blues in the transfer window are joined on the exit list by the usual group of rumoured leavers; Robben, Carvalho, Maniche, Duff, Wright-Phillips, Drogba and Crespo to name but a few. Rumours are rife whenever Chelsea are mentioned in transfer discussions; Shevchenko, Teves and Ibrahimovic all linked with possible moves to West London, Ashley Cole is also a possible target again, since the tapping up storm cloud has finally lifted. With the Ballack deal looking as good as done, it all boils down to who wants to make the move and whether their respective club will approve any approach; after all, money appears to be of no issue when Chelsea are involved.