West Brom v Chelsea player ratings
Michy Batshuayi’s late goal clinched the Premier League title for Chelsea. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 1-0 triumph at West Brom.
Thibaut Courtois: 7
Another easy night’s work for the keeper, but he was commanding, caught well and set up several decent attacks with his quick thinking and fine distribution.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
He has been outstanding all season, and was so again. His improvement as an attacking player was evident throughout, pushing forward at the right time and committing players. It was fitting that Azpilicueta teed up the goal that won the league when his cross found Michy Batshuayi.
David Luiz: 6
Defended without fuss apart from a rash attempt to thwart a West Brom counter-attack which almost led to a goal. He made little impression bringing the ball out of defence because of the home side’s preference to sit so deep, but won some important headers.
Gary Cahill: 7
His huge mis-kick led to the winning goal but deserved his fortune for a season which has seen him make a consistent contribution in the opposition box. The England centre-back did not put a foot wrong in defence.
Victor Moses: 8
Moses came agonisingly close to netting with a superb strike moments after the break and was a persistent attacking menace, both when running at defenders and using the ball sensibly.
Cesc Fabregas: 8
Retained his place after a majestic display against Middlesbrough and fully justified keeping player of the year N’Golo Kante out of the side. Almost scored with a low first-half strike across goal and a fading shot after the break, and set up several opportunities. Effortlessly in control, inventive and brought confidence to those around him.
Nemanja Matic: 7
Another busy performance, particularly in the first half when he covered plenty of ground and kept things simple when in possession.
Marcos Alonso: 6
One of his quieter showings, but won some important headers and was dependable in defence.
Pedro: 7
Pedro stood out in the first half when he could have had a couple of goals – notably when he curled an effort wide after taking a brilliant touch in the box. The Spaniard remained busy after the interval but was not as involved.
Eden Hazard: 7
Always central to Chelsea’s attacks and just as regularly fouled, Hazard was the brightest attacker without ever quite finding top gear. The Belgian almost forced an own goal in the second half after a neat run in behind.
Diego Costa: 6
Another evening where things wouldn’t quite fall for Costa, but he maintained his work-rate and was noticeably sharper with his passing than he has been in recent weeks.
Willian: 6
Increased the energy levels in the latter stages as part of the double change that ultimately won the game.
Michy Batshuayi: 6
He had a less than auspicious start because of his desperation to make an impact, conceding two daft free-kicks in dangerous areas. But the man who has yet to start a Premier League game this season ensured he will go down in Chelsea history by grabbing the title-winning goal.
