Chelsea crowned champions: LIVE updates as Blues secure Premier League title after beating West Brom
Chelsea are the Premier League champions.
Antonio Conte's Blues ensured that they got over the line with two games to spare with a victory at West Brom on Friday evening.
As a result, Conte is the fourth Italian to win the Premier League title - one year after Claudio Ranieri inspired Leicester City to their incredible triumph.
Chelsea have been out and out the best team in the English top flight this season, turning their form around after a shaky start to the season.
A 3-0 drubbing at Arsenal forced Conte into a formation change - and they never looked back from there.
With three at the back, Chelsea conceded minimal goals and cruised to the top spot with aplomb.
The upcoming home games against Watford and Sunderland are now merely dates for celebration, as Chelsea enjoy their return to the summit of the domestic game.
Follow all of the latest news and reaction to their title win here.
CONTE AIMS FOR THE DOUBLE AFTER TITLE WIN
Chelsea's title-winning season in numbers
13 - the club-record winning run that took Chelsea from eighth in the table at the end of September, with speculation over manager Antonio Conte’s future after only half a dozen games, to top spot and looking unassailable
3-4-3 - the formation to which Conte switched to spark the turnaround.
16 - clean sheets for the Blues, only Tottenham with 17. Ten of Chelsea’s came in that winning run.
28 - games won which is more than any team in the top flight.
5 - defeats, the third-best record behind Spurs and United.
20 - Diego Costa’s goal tally, making him the Premier League’s third-highest scorer.
76 - the club’s total is the highest in the league.
Antonio Conte talks us through why he was forced to change his suit following the celebrations...
“They waited for me after the celebrations with the fans, and put Champagne and beer on me. I think I have to change my suit because my suit is a disaster now. I’m wearing the tracksuit, but I think I’m living a moment very important. I’m enjoying this moment a lot.“When you put a lot of enthusiasm and passion and hours into your work, a lot of time not sleeping for your work, it’s right to celebrate and enjoy a moment like this. Enjoy it with the fans, the staff, with the club. It’s great.“This is a dream come true. For sure, it’s a dream.”
CHELSEA CELEBRATE WINNING PREMIER LEAGUE IN DRESSING ROOM
Miss Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations? Fear not, we have you covered right here...
CHELSEA CELEBRATE WINNING PREMIER LEAGUE IN DRESSING ROOM
One of the fairest summaries of Chelsea’s season has come from Alan Shearer.
Don’t think we can argue with a word he has said.
Skilful. Dogged. Determined. Organised. Best team this season by a long way. Congratulations @ChelseaFC Champions of @premierleague
How Chelsea won TWO Premier League titles
Today will forever go down in the history of Chelsea FC because it is the day they won the Premier League not once, but twice.
While Antonio Conte’s side confirmed their fifth title of the Premier League era by beating West Brom 1-0, the U18s had already matched that feat earlier in the day with a 3-0 win against Reading.
ANTONIO CONTE 'KIDNAPPED' BY HIS PLAYERS AFTER CHELSEA WIN THE LEAGUE
But while the senior XI must now prevail against Arsenal in the FA Cup final to secure the double, the youth side have already done just that, beating Manchester City to the FA Youth Cup last month.
As for Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and co, they made hard work of a resolute Baggies side intent on delaying if not spoiling the party.
And it wasn’t until Michy Batshuayi’s 82nd minute strike that Chelsea fans could begin to celebrate a second title in three years and a first major honour of Conte’s reign.
The blue and white ribbons are on the trophy, although only in graphic form so far.
The real thing will be presented next Saturday following the home game against Sunderland!
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