Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BO TAKES A PEEP AT THE TASK AHEAD
Owner Todd witnesses end of Roman empire
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BY DARREN LEWIS
IN other news, the curtain came down quietly on the Roman empire in this corner of west London.
Sad, in some respects, that a club involved in the title conversation five times in the past 17 years were reduced to cheering Ilkay Gundogan’s goals as Manchester City pipped hated rivals Liverpool to the title.
Now Chelsea will go back to hoping incoming owner Todd Boehly can match the determination Abramovich showed to restore Chelsea to being a Premier League and European superpower.
As for the Russian’s reign, it was brought to an end here as it began two decades ago - with the questions around his alleged “dirty money” and close ties to the Kremlin that have never really been answered to the satisfaction of the people that matter.
It means that, for now, after 19 years, 21 major honours and 12 managers (excluding caretakers and second spells for Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink), a roller-coaster ride that took them into the big time is back at the start.
All eyes will now be on Boehly, here with fellow investor Hansjorg Wyss, to see if he makes good on his promise of substantial funds to improve the team.
Thomas Tuchel’s side looked a touch vulnerable at the back, in keeping with alarmingly poor home league form this season, with just nine wins in 19 games.
The Blues’ 11th-minute opener against Watford was easy. Brazilian winger Kenedy sent in a low cross which Kai Havertz - who earlier wasted a one-on-one with the keeper - lashed in.
But it took a fine save from Edouard Mendy to prevent Joao Pedro from grabbing a shock equaliser, just minutes after half-time.
Gosling’s 87th-minute header looked to have earned Watford a remarkable point.
But another substitute, Ross Barkley, struck for Chelsea in the final minute as Watford rounded off their abysmal season with yet another defeat.
Antonio Rudiger, making his final appearance for the Blues, received a warm send-off when replaced by Barkley midway through the second half.
Ben Chilwell, out for most of the season, gave cause for optimism when he came on with a minute to play.
As for Watford, they too will be glad to see the back of the 2021-22 season with a campaign in the Championship awaiting.
What a shame Roy Hodgson brings the curtain down on his distinguished managerial career with surely the most shambolic group of players he has ever worked with.
The Hornets will also need a shift in mentality if they are to put this nightmare behind them.
Of the two clubs Chelsea are the most likely to bounce back. By far.