The 2010-11 campaign delivered a fierce title battle and a season of transition for Chelsea as the defending Premier League champions finished a close 2nd behind Manchester United. Leading the charge in the league was the in-form French winger Florent Malouda, whose 13 goals proved vital, though the year was defined by a critical winter slump and the dramatic, club-record £50 million January signing of Fernando Torres. It was a turbulent campaign that culminated in the shock departure of manager Carlo Ancelotti despite their runners-up finish and featured the final years of the legendary core including Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard.