Super-sub Batshuayi seals title for Chelsea

IT was almost a foregone conclusion.

Chelsea, the English champions-elect, 90 minutes away from the title they conceded to newbies Leicester City a season ago.

The Blues just needed to beat West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns last night to seal the deal and gift boss Antonio Conte his fourth straight league crown (three with Italian champs Juventus).

Chelsea’s display was woeful in the first half. Fourteen shots at goal, and they simply couldn’t find a way past West Brom goalie Ben Foster.

Foster also pulled off some fine saves early in the second half and his defenders continued to frustrate the visitors.

But it turned out to be the late, late show.

Just as the contest looked to be headed for a stalemate, substitute Michy Batshuayi struck – sending the Chelsea fans into absolute delight (1-0). Blues boss Conte

could hardly contain his joy on the sidelines.

The goal was the Belgian striker’s first for his club since August.

And when the final whistle sounded after 95-plus minutes, it was celebration time at The Hawthorns.

The premiership trophy belonged to the Blues again, a year after they had finished 10th in the previous campaign.

But the job is not done yet. Chelsea return to the pitch on Monday – they are in action against Watford at Stamford Bridge.

They have two league games to go.

Veteran defender John Terry, set to leave the club, was full of praise for his teammates after the match, even though he did not play last night.

He becomes the only player outside of Manchester United to have won the league five times.

It also makes him the first player to have skippered his side to five league titles.