A second half Michy Batshuayi goal was enough to give Chelsea a 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion and the three points required to clinch the Premier League title.
After Tottenham Hotspur fell to a 1-0 defeat at West Ham United last Friday night the Blues knew two wins would be enough to reclaim the title they lost to Leicester City last season. The first of these wins came when they eased past Middlesbrough 3-0 on Monday night, and Batshuayi’s second league goal of the campaign was enough to grab that vital second win four days later.
It was the Belgian’s first goal since August, and he delivered it in the 82nd minute after earlier coming off the bench for Pedro who, like Eden Hazard who was also replaced, struggled to make an impact at the Hawthorns. It was yet another masterstroke from coach Antonio Conte, who transformed the fortunes of the team when he switched to a 3-5-2 formation back in October.
The Italian will now set his sights on the FA Cup final, as they take on capital rivals Arsenal in a bid to secure the double. Immediately afterwards he will likely enter discussions with Roman Abramovich and co, initially over a new and improved contract amidst reported interest from Inter Milan, and secondly to agree a transfer budget for the summer as he looks to further strengthen the squad.
This season the Blues have had the luxury of additional recovery time due to not being involved in European football, but they will now be expected not just to make a good fist of their return to the UEFA Champions League, but to be amongst the frontrunners to lift the trophy. But that thought can be placed on ice for the time being, as Conte and his players celebrate a deserved title success.
