Chelsea clinch Premier League title

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Chelsea 1 Crystal Palace 0

Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty follow-up ensured Chelsea won the Premier League title with three games still to play.

Hazard earned the spot-kick and headed home on the rebound after his initial shot was saved by Crystal Palace keeper Julian Speroni.

The Eagles felt Hazard went down too easily when he burst in to the box after exchanging passes with Willian and was challenged by James McArthur.

But there was enough contact to put doubt in referee Kevin Friend’s mind.

And Chelsea and manager Jose Mourinho will feel a sense of justice about the goal that clinched their first championship success in five years after a season in which they believed numerous penalty calls went against them.

Hazard's goal was enough to give Chelsea the win they needed
Hazard’s goal was enough to give Chelsea the win they needed

Before Hazard’s 19th goal of the season, Chelsea struggled to break down a well-organised team looking to play on the counter-attack.

Neither side threatened much in the opening 20 minutes, with a speculative 30-yard Juan Cuadrado shot that went over the only serious attempt on goal.

But the home side then began to take control in midfield through Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas

Matic had a shot blocked by Speroni after Palace made a terrible mess of an attempt to play offside from a free-kick, and the Eagles keeper was lucky to get away with spilling a dipping Didier Drogba free-kick.

Palace’s best chance saw Jason Puncheon’s shot deflected wide by Cesar Azpilicueta.

But Hazard’s coolly taken goal visibly settled the home side and they were never seriously troubled in the second period.

John Mikel Obi’s half-time introduction for the willing but ineffective Cuadrado allowed Fabregas to play further forward and Chelsea dominated possession and territory.

Mikel had a rare sight of goal but shot tamely at goal, while Didier Drogba just failed to get on the end of a long ball over the top.

Branislav Ivanovic blazed a shot over the bar and Drogba made a hash of decent chance after great work by the excellent Willian, who was also just off target after a fine Blues breakaway.

But a second goal was not needed and Chelsea held on to secure a third Premier League in two spells and five full seasons under Mourinho.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian (Zouma 84), Cuadrado (Mikel 45), Hazard (Filipe Luis 90); Drogba.
Subs not used: Cech, Ake, Loftus-Cheek, Remy.

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