Boss Antonio Conte says his decision to change formation altered the entire course of Chelsea’s season.
The Blues have been crowned champions in the Italian’s first season at Stamford Bridge.
A title win seemed highly unlikely during a troubled start to the campaign which included defeats against Arsenal and Liverpool and left them with just 10 points from their first six matches.
Conte responded to a 3-0 loss at Arsenal in February by switching to a 3-4-3 system – and the change in Chelsea’s fortunes could not have been more dramatic.
“I think this decision changed our season, honestly,” said Conte.
“In the first part of the season we didn’t have the right balance. After defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal – bad defeats, not simple defeats – I wanted to change and to find a new solution for the team.
“In my mind there was this option to change and to give us more solidity in our defence.”
Chelsea will clash with Arsenal again, at Wembley in the FA Cup final on 27 May.
And Conte is determined to add another trophy to his collection and achieve the Double.
“It’s been a great season. Now for it to be a fantastic season we have to win the FA Cup,” he declared.
This post was last modified on 13/05/2017