Cahill cautious of stumble as Blues prepare to party
WEST BROMWICH, England — Defender Gary Cahill said there was a party atmosphere at Chelsea this week with the Premier League leader 90 minutes away from clinching a second title in three years.
A “buzzing” Chelsea heads to The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion on Friday knowing victory over the Baggies will deliver the title in coach Antonio Conte’s first season in charge.
The demanding Italian has revived the fortunes of a side which ended last season 10th.
The 47-year-old is expected to be rewarded with an improved contract and assurances about the club’s spending plans during the coming transfer window.
But the immediate priority is to deliver the Premier League trophy. Tottenham Hotspur’s loss at West Ham United last week together with Chelsea’s victory over Middlesbrough on Monday significantly eased the pressure during the run-in.
Should Conte’s side beat a West Brom team with little to play for it will become champion with two games to spare.
“It’s one more to go, we have two home games and one away so we’re in a very good position now,” England centerback Cahill told the club website.
“If anything, we should be enjoying it. After the Tottenham result, naturally spirits were high in training and everybody was buzzing.
“Everyone went out and enjoyed themselves and there was a little bit of pressure off, although that can sometimes be bad when you relax and don’t do the right things.”
However, Cahill, 31, vowed there would be no complacency at Albion.
“It’s going to be a tough game at West Brom, it always is,” the ex-Bolton man said.
“It’s never comfortable and we need to be aware of that, but we’re looking forward to getting the job done.”
Jose Mourinho was in charge two years ago and Cahill, whose form has improved markedly under Conte, said the experience of becoming champion then has helped.
“It was probably more comfortable last time but the runin is always the same, there is always a stage in the season when it’s going to be tight, when teams are putting pressure on and you’re having to win,” said the 31-year-old.
“That’s helped us this time, having the experience of that. We’re in a great position now and if we were to throw it away we’d be devastated.”
West Brom will take on the Blues with its spirits boosted by a 2-2 draw at Burnley which ended its four-match losing streak and saw Salomon Rondon end his 19-game goal drought.
Baggies boss Tony Pulis has already turned his attentions to next season and is close to agreeing a deal to sign out-ofcontract defender Charlie Taylor from Leeds United.
West Brom has three games left including a trip to Manchester City on Tuesday as it chases the five points it needs to reach its target of 50 and a top-half league finish.
“We’ve got some tough games coming up,” said defender Craig Dawson. “But they’re the games everybody wants to play in, they’re exciting games.”