2016 was a year of mixed fortunes for Chelsea.

The front-end of 2016 was certainly a period to forget for the Blues as they once again relied on Guus Hiddink to come to their rescue following the sacking of Jose Mourinho towards the end of 2015.

Chelsea were sitting dismally at the bottom end of the league table having lost nine of their opening 16 fixtures under the Portuguese manager, and while their fortunes did change in the New Year, they were still only able to muster a poor 10th placed finish - the worst in their Premier League history.

What a difference a change in manager and a few summer signings can make, though...

Antonio Conte has transformed the blundering Blues into a title-challenging side again that secured 13 wins on the spin until Wednesday evening's defeat at the hands of Spurs.

Amongst the ups-and-downs of 2016, however, there were still some unforgettable strikes from the boys from the Bridge, and here are the best of them.

Enjoy!

Eden Hazard vs. Tottenham Hotspur

If Chelsea fans were to define last season in one moment, it would be this one.

In what was an otherwise joyless season for the Blues, nothing brought them more happiness than ruining their most hated rivals Tottenham's title chances. In a remarkable game at the Bridge, Hazard broke Spurs hearts with this wonder strike to seal a magnificent comeback.

Pedro vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Another strike against their bitter rivals, but this time it came when Chelsea were flying high and at the hands (or feet) of another of their attacking stars, Pedro.

The turn, sublime. The finish, even better. The Spaniard stunned everyone at the Bridge with this magnificent strike to once again top off another Blues comeback against their London counterparts and keep their impressive winning streak going.

Willian vs. Hull City

Who doesn't love a goal when the 'keeper stands completely motionless?

It is the trademark of a brilliant strike, and that was just what Willian's goal against Hull in October was. Another classic counter attack from the Blues saw Chelsea's player of last season find himself with the ball on the edge of the box, but still with plenty of orange shirts in front of him.

Nothing on? 'I'll just bend it top corner' said Willian, presumably.

N'Golo Kante vs. Manchester United

Certainly the sweetest victory of 2016 for any Chelsea fan, and perhaps the sweetest goal, too.

N'Golo Kante surprised everyone as he beat two Manchester United defenders before slotting home past David de Gea to make it 4-0 to Chelsea over the Red Devils, and more importantly Jose Mourinho. It was the goal the Frenchman deserved having put in a colossal performance, as he had done and has continued to do all season.

Diego Costa vs. Manchester City

A real striker's goal this one.

The partnership that had proven to be so successful in 2014/15 returned for a brief moment as Cesc Fabregas played a trademark pinpoint pass to international team-mate Diego Costa on the edge of Man City's 18-yard-box.

From there, the rest was brilliant. The touch, the strength to hold of the defender and the finish. It was unstoppable from the big man up front who proved why is still one of the best forwards in world football.

Eden Hazard vs. Liverpool

No surprise to see the tricky Belgian in this list again, but this time against Liverpool.

I doubt you'll be likely to see a better solo goal than this anywhere. First picking the ball up 50 yards from goal, Hazard played a quick one-two with Baba Rahman before waltzing his way effortlessly through the Liverpool midfield and defence to slot the ball calmly into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Bertrand Traore vs. Stoke

This young lad became a bit of a star at Stamford Bridge last season.

Guus Hiddink was more than generous with his use of Chelsea's youth players towards the end of the season, and none impressed more than young Traore who scored four goals for the Blues. This was the pick of the punch, and what a strike it was. Why the Burkino Faso international was loaned out to Ajax this season is a mystery as he would have been a solid part of Chelsea's striking options.