Michy Batshuayi’s late goal has clinched the Premier League title for Chelsea as they beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 but they were made to fight all the way for the victory they craved at The Hawthorns.
Chelsea were suffering some late nerves as West Brom threatened to prolong the title race but substitute Batshuayi prodded home the winner after 82 minutes to spark wild celebrations from Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
The victory, Chelsea’s 28th of the season, put the long-time league leaders 10 points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have only three games left to play.
Italian Conte is only the fourth manager to win the Premier League title at the first attempt, emulating his Stamford Bridge predecessors Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti as well as Manuel Pellegrini who achieved the feat with Manchester City.
The west London club have won the English title six times with five of those triumphs coming in the past 13 seasons.
Earlier, Everton beat Watford 1-0 at Goodison Park through a timely goal to Ross Barkley as the midfielder finds himself in the midst of a contract imbroglio.
Wolly
Roar Guru
You really come across as an unstable individual.
Swanny
Guest
My comment was tounge in cheek But it was a dull e p l this year So many woeful teams from 5 th down they are ordinary, and I support one of them .
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Maybe I am tough?
Buddy
Guest
AZ- I still fear for the young players who have some real ability between them. The Chelsea under 18 side have entertained me for quite a few hours this season and they appear to be conquering all before them. However, with the pressures of the EPL and european competitions, there are unlikely to be more opportunities to break into a top side like Chelsea. There has been much criticsm of Jose and his perceived anti-youth policy. Maybe its just the reality of the situation? How many top sides are developing and blooding young players - few and far between! Even here in the A. League and specifically at WSW, it is difficult to get that balance. I got tired of hearing the complaints about Baccus and Sotirio to name but two and this season there was a lot of frustration from the supporters in relation to Lachlan Scott. At least in the youth ranks at Wanderers they appear to be trying to developplayers that will be able to step up to the A League rather than focussing on trying to win a competition. They play players up in age groups to help them mature quickly but that final step is a big one and it has to be balanced with the needs of the club and fans.
Michaelj
Guest
You were the one trying to act tough.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Settle down tough guy.
Wolly
Roar Guru
And you are riding on the coat tails of the english empire, which wasn't exactly peaceful and loving, if you really want to play that pathetic card.
Michaelj
Guest
Our system doesn't reward the team that does best all year in home and away. However, the EPL rewards the team that does best over the journey as the champion.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I really think Conte has the ability to take this team (with a few smart/big buys) to the top 5/6 of Europe. This is such a brilliantly structured team. They're a great defender and reliable forward short of being a top notch squad. The difference between this Chelsea and recent English champions is that they have a number of class players coming off the bench and doing a job. In the last 5-6yrs even bench players are given $30M price tags so they don't believe they should ever be on the bench. It's becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a top class extended squad unless you're a Barca, Real or Bayern where players are just happy to be there.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I honestly thought Abramovich would have been assassinated by now. Good on Chelsea for riding the coattails of a gangster.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
no they don't, not everything needs to be decided by a semi final series and GF. The Title race was still up for grabs up until last week, unlike last year when Leceister had it won pretty much 6 weeks out. Add in 4 teams playing for 3rd and 4th plus the relegation battle, what more do you want this season ? Conte has shown himself to be a truly world class manager, after his success at Juve, Italy and now winnning the EPL in his first season in such a tough League is a huge achievement.
punter
Guest
It's the most followed competition in the world & someone wants to change it.
Michaelj
Guest
Why? The FA Cup is coming up. That is a showpiece the equivalent of any grand final.
Swanny
Guest
I know it will never happen but The epl needs a top 8 and a grand final . Has got to be the most boring season ever
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Well done Chelsea, great season!