Chelsea have officially secured the Premier League title after a 1-0 victory over West Brom. It’s Antonio Conte’s first season in England and Chelsea’s fifth league title.
Any and all speculation of who will win the Premier League title can be laid to rest. Chelsea have mathematically ensured their win. The 1-0 win over West Brom was enough to put victory beyond any doubt.
It’s an amazing result for Chelsea. Especially with all things considered about last year. In the previous season Chelsea had finished in a disappointing 10th place. Manager Jose Mourinho, who had helped the team to success in his previous engagement, departed the club. To make matters worse Chelsea’s rivals invested largely in transfers of players and staff.
However, on Antonio Conte’s first season in England, the Italian managed a victory that few would have thought possible 12 months ago. Conte arrived on the strength of three consecutive title wins in the Seria A with Juventus and a spell coaching the Italian national team. He brought to Chelsea the defensive discipline and consistency that were trademarks of his work in Italy.
It did not start out well for Chelsea. The team started the season unconvincingly and lost to rivals Arsenal and Liverpool. It was the introduction of the 3-4-3 formation that turned things around. Chelsea went on to a 13 match streak of wins.
Conte also managed to bring out the best in his players. Diego Costa was often decisive in front of goal. Eden Hazard, David Luiz and Cesc Fabregas were consistent throughout the year. However, top honors have to go to midfielder N’Golo Kante. Having won the title the previous year with Leicester, Kante was on top on most occasions and helped secure his second consecutive title. The player also won the PFA Player of the Year award.
Apart from the shaky start of the season, Chelsea dominated the season throughout. Tottenham trailed their London rivals, however the victory was never in much doubt.
“I’m enjoying it a lot because when you put a lot of passion, enthusiasm and hours into your work, and you don’t sleep, when you arrive in the moment it’s only right to celebrate with my fans, staff and the club. It’s a dream which is coming true,” says Conte.
