2007–08 Chelsea F.C. Season

2007–08 Chelsea F.C. Season

The 2007–08 season was Chelsea Football Club's 93rd competitive season, 16th consecutive season in the Premier League, and 102nd year as a club. Manager José Mourinho left the club by mutual consent on 20 September 2007 following a disappointing 1–1 draw with Rosenborg and was replaced by the Israeli Avram Grant.

The 2007–08 Premier League season was decided on the last day of the season, when Chelsea needed to win against Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United to either draw or lose against Wigan Athletic. Chelsea drew and Manchester United won, thus making Chelsea runners-up to United for the second consecutive season.

Chelsea played in their first UEFA Champions League Final, against Manchester United, making it the first all-English final in the competition's history. After extra time the score was 1–1; Manchester United won the penalty shootout 6–5 after Edwin van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka's penalty.

This was the first time in four years that Chelsea had finished the season without a trophy; the lack of silverware led to Avram Grant being sacked three days after the Champions League final. Five days later, Chelsea's assistant first-team coach, Henk ten Cate, had his contract terminated as well.