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Chelsea are one of the most successful Premier League clubs of the 21st century, winning over 20 trophies since the dawn of the century. The turning point in Chelsea's history was the club's takeover by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in 2003.
That ushered in a new era of increased spending and investments in infrastructure at the club as Chelsea became the first English club to win all three of UEFA's major club competitions. That includes the European Cup Winners Cup in 1971, the Champions League in the 2011-12 and 2020-21 seasons and two UEFA Europa League titles.
Chelsea are also highly regarded for their defensive solidity, holding the record for most clean sheets (Petr Cech, 24) and the least goals conceded (15) in a single Premier League season. However, over the years, there have been players who have had success against the Blues.
On that note, here is a look at the five players who have tormented the Blues the most:
#5 Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Premier League era and a thorn in Chelsea's side over the years.
The former Argentina international squared off against the Blues for three different clubs - Manchester United, Manchester City and West Ham United. In nine Premier League appearances against Chelsea, Tevez made eight goal contributions (seven goals and an assist).
In other competitions, the Argentine came up against the Blues on three occasions, where he managed a solitary goal. Of the eight goals he scored against Chelsea, Tevez scored six while playing for Manchester City, where he also managed an assist.
Tevez also scored the first penalty for Manchester United in a shootout against Chelsea in the 2007-08 Champions League final. Some of his most memorable goals against Chelsea include a stunning 20-yard free-kick and a spectacular solo effort in front of City's home crowd at the Etihad.
#4 Sergio Aguero
The only active player on this list, Sergio Aguero has been a menace for the Blues since his Premier League debut in the 2011-12 season.
The Argentine got on the scoresheet against Chelsea in his inaugural Premier League season, and also provided an assist. In 16 Premier League games against the Blues, Aguero racked up ten goals and three assists.
The now-33-year old also faced off against Chelsea in Atletico Madrid colours on two occasions, managing an output of two assists. In 23 cumulative appearances for Manchester City and Atletico Madrid against the Blues, Aguero was involved in 18 goals (15 goals, three assists).
The Barcelona man has been one of the most lethal goalscorers of his generation, and has showcased some of his best performances against the Blues.
#3 Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie, another Chelsea tormentor, has been one of the best foreign imports in the Premier League era. He has scored goals galore against every opposition he has faced, especially against the Blues.
The flying Dutchman is responsible for some of the most iconic moments in the Premier League, and was highly regarded for his big-match pedigree. Hence, it is no surprise that Van Persie elevated his game a few notches every time he faced off against Chelsea.
Despite failing to get on the scoresheet in his first eight appearances against Chelsea, Robin van Persie scored five goals in 12 appearances against the Blues for Arsenal. He faced the Blues another four times in the Premier League during his stay at Manchester United, getting on the scoresheet twice.
One of Robin van Persie's best performances of his career came against Chelsea, when he scored a hat-trick to guide Arsenal to a stunning 5-3 derby win. He also picked up eight bookings when he came up against the West Londoners, though.
#2 Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer is the Premier League's highest goalscorer of all time, that too by a proverbial country mile.
Even though Shearer was one of the most consistent goalscorers in Premier League history and scored against almost every club he faced, he took a particular liking for Chelsea. The Newcastle United legend was Chelsea's worst nightmare back in the day. He took the field against the Blues for three different clubs.
Donning the colours of Blackburn Rovers, Southampton and Newcastle United, Shearer registered 30 cumulative appearances against Chelsea. He was involved in 16 goals (11 goals, five assists) - winning 12 and drawing eight of these meetings.
Alan Shearer also held the record for scoring the most hat-tricks in the Premier League for over 20 years before he was overtaken by Sergio Aguero in the 2020-21 season. It will be nearly impossible to overcome Shearer's stellar tally of 260 Premier League goals, though, as the only active player in the top 10 - Harry Kane - is well behind with 166 goals.
#1 Thierry Henry
Another name that features on the list of the top ten Premier League goalscorers of all time is Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry.
The Frenchman was one of the most devastating strikers of the Premier League era, and was part of the Gunners' 'Invincibles' team in 2003-04. Henry won the Golden Boot award that season, and would go on to score 228 goals and provide 105 assists in 376 appearances for the Gunners.
One of Henry's most favoured opponents was cross-town rivals Chelsea. In 12 Premier League appearances against the West Londoners, Henry was involved in nine goals (eight goals and an assist). The Frenchman also found the back of the net twice and assisted once in eight games against Chelsea in other competitions.
Along with two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, Henry won a host of individual accolades during his time at the Emirates. He won the Premier League Golden Boot award on four occasions, and was named the Premier League Player of the Season in the 2003-04 and 2005-06 seasons.
