Boro relegated after Chelsea loss

PREMIER LEAGUE: No way back for Middlesbrough as Bluesmarchon

Chelsea moved within three points of the Premier League title and consigned Middlesbrough to relegation with a dominant 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Diego Costa, Marcos Alonso and Nemanja Matic saw Chelsea re-establish a seven-point lead over Tottenham.

And Antonio Conte’s men can win the title before Spurs next play with victory at West Brom on Friday night.

Costa scored his 20th league goal of the season, converting a pass from the excellent Cesc Fabregas, and Alonso netted from a similar position before half-time.

And Matic struck in a second-half which began with Pedro hitting the bar as Brad Guzan conceded through his legs for a third time.

It could have been many more for the champions-elect in a one-sided contest.

Boro, now with one win in 19 league games, will be playing in the Sky Bet Championship next season after a record-equalling fourth demotion from the Premier League.

The visitors’ night began with a bump. A minor nudge in rush hour traffic contributed to the delayed arrival of the Boro bus.

History was also against Boro, who were without a league win and had not even scored in seven games at Stamford Bridge since 2001.

There was time for sentiment from Conte as John Terry came on for his 715th Chelsea appearance.

Picture: Getty Images. Diego Costa of Chelsea scores his side’s first goal past Brad Guzan.