Michy Batshuayi’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory at West Brom and clinched the Premier League title for Chelsea. The Belgian striker, on as a substitute and having previously failed to make an impact since being signed last summer, netted with eight minutes remaining at The Hawthorns, where there were scenes of wild celebration from Chelsea’s players and fans on a night to remember.
After Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois was called into action in the opening couple of minutes, pushing over Salomon Rondon’s looping header, Conte’s side dominated for long spells.
Pedro, Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses all went close as Chelsea piled on the pressure in search of the goal they needed.
Just as Chelsea appeared to be in control, they survived two scares in quick succession as Albion enjoyed their best spell of the game. Rondon raced towards goal after turning away from David Luiz and blasted wide under pressure from Cesar Azpilicueta, before Nacer Chadli also wasted a great chance, dragging a shot wide from the right-hand side of the penalty area.
With his team suddenly under pressure, Conte took off Pedro and the unusually ineffective Hazard, bringing on Batshuayi and Willian. It was a bold decision – and it paid off spectacularly.
The all-important goal came when Azpilicueta chased Gary Cahill’s wayward shot and pulled the back from the right for Batshuayi to score from close range.
This post was last modified on 13/05/2017