Chelsea quickfire end of season review

The most significant moment of the season - good or bad - was...

When Enzo Maresca decided to leave after a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the end of December.

It was a moment of significant consequence, with tensions having built throughout the month before the Italian head coach's departure was confirmed on New Year's Day. It represented a remarkable display of dysfunction.

The season has been a success or failure because...

The campaign has been widely regarded, both internally and externally, as a failure. Chelsea did not meet their minimum expectation of qualifying for the Champions League, nor did they win any silverware.

Liam Rosenior was appointed as Maresca's successor but lost the dressing room after attempting to move away from his tactical approach and lasted less than four months in the role.

There have been positives, however. Striker Joao Pedro has proven an excellent signing from Brighton.

The unsung hero of the season is...

Jorrel Hato, who endured a slow start to life at Stamford Bridge but now appears ready to start matches regularly.

If there is a player or staff member with more to do in future it is... because...

Large sections of the squad face an uncertain future, with Chelsea needing to sell players in order to reshape the group.

Two of the most prominent examples are forwards Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap, who must improve or risk being moved on.

Each player scored only one Premier League goal and they are widely viewed as having underperformed.

The major club issue or talking point lurking is...

A key issue facing the club is its ongoing Uefa settlement agreement, which requires Chelsea to generate funds through sales alongside reinvesting in the transfer market. The club are targeting more experienced, Premier League-ready signings than in previous windows.

The reason for hope going forward is...

The appointment of former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso. This has brought renewed positivity to the squad, the fanbase and the wider football community.