West Brom 3 - 0 Chelsea (Half-time 1-0)
Not even a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at the Hawthorns could silence the travelling Chelsea fans last night. They continued their unswerving support for their team throughout the second period, despite the Blues stuttering to only their third league defeat this term. Saido Berahino was the main protagonist on the score-sheet for the home side with a brace of goals. Chelsea did themselves no favours though, by having Cesc Fabregas inexplicably sent off for kicking the ball at an opposition player in the first-half.
No real significance to the match
This Monday night match had little riding on it in terms of league impact. The Baggies were already safely clear of any threat of relegation this year; Chelsea were confirmed as league champions for the fifth time in their history. There was an edge to the game nonetheless though and Diego Costa seemed to be right in the middle of it during the first-half.
Perfect start for Pulis
The home side got off to the perfect start, no doubt urged on by manager Tony Pulis to forget about their summer holidays until the season was actually over. Berahino is a player seemingly destined for great things and he demonstrated his striking abilities with a fine strike on 9 minutes to put them ahead.
Fabregas sees red
Chelsea as expected found a response, but any momentum they were developing was soon halted. As a melee broke out in the West Brom penalty area involving several home players and the fiery Costa, Fabregas for some reason kicked the ball right into the thick of it and hit Chris Brunt flush on the head.
Referee Mike Jones saw little option other than the red card for the masked Spanish player. Jose Mourinho seemed non-plussed on the touchline, but would have no doubt been unhappy with his midfielder's behaviour.
Berahino's second
Worse was to come for Mourinho's side shortly after the interval, as Berahino added a second from the penalty spot.
The 21-year-old had earned the spot-kick after being fouled by Chelsea skipper John Terry. With 14 league goals this campaign already and 20 in all competitions, his form will no doubt have drawn admiring glances from the likes of Liverpool, a team with a diminished goal threat this season.
Game, set and match
Brunt ensured that the three points remained in the Midlands, with a third goal on the hour mark from a quick corner. The remainder of the match saw a stream of substitutions by both sides, Mourinho in particular choosing to give youth a chance. The hugely promising 19-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek had started in midfield. He made way in the later stages for Nathan Ake and there was also an opportunity for Izzy Brown to come on for the final ten minutes.
All three represent a bright future in Chelsea's estimations.
Defiant Mourinho
Mourinho applauded the away supporters at the end of the game and was typically bullish when asked for a reaction to their rare defeat. Never one to provide a bland response, he blamed their title rivals for the loss "because they let us win the title so early." That explains it all then!