PREMIER LEAGUE DOWN

Defeat by Hammers means end of Chelsea title hopes

EXACTLY a year ago Antonio Conte had the unmistakable look of a champion after mugging Pep Guardiola in his own backyard.

At the London Stadium yesterday his face told another story – one of defeat, resignation and frustration.

If Manchester City win today’s derby at Old Trafford the Chelsea boss might as well load the Premier League trophy into his car and drive it up to The Etihad for a ceremonial handover right now.

Last season the Blues were ruthlessly efficient taking their chances when they came.

But this defeat by a resurgent West Ham was a major missed opportunity which has killed off Chelsea’s title defence before Conte’s had his Christmas turkey.

The Italian’s body language has always been an indicator of how his team are performing.

But while David Moyes (right) clapped and urged his stars on before punching the air at the end by contrast Conte was flat and found it hard to get himself going.

Cost

And as he analysed a fourth league defeat already in this campaign, it was clear he felt a lack of summer transfer activity is now hitting Chelsea hard.

Conte’s stars are in the hat for last 16 of the Champions League – but at a major cost to their chances of a successful title defence.

For most of last season Conte only had the Premier League and FA Cup to bother about. Now his players look like they’re low on juice after a trip to Azerbaijan and tough European games against Roma and Atletico Madrid.

Eden Hazard had an off day, Alvaro Morata missed a golden late chance to equalise and the spark was missing from Chelsea’s play.

Yet this was about West Ham being a superior force as much as Chelsea being second best.

The Hammers were top drawer with a hunger and desire to win that eclipsed a Chelsea side lacking their usual speed and sharpness.