With the Barclay’s Premier League title claimed and celebrated (plenty), Chelsea FC would hit the road to face West Bromwich Albion for some “Monday Night Football.” Playing without pressure, Jose Mourinho would play a unconvential starting XI. Loic Remy would feature as a winger, Cesc Fabregas would take up a more advanced midfield position, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek would man one of the holding midfield spots.
Saido Berahino got the scoring started with a wonderful strike. Berahino picked up the ball towards the left of the penalty box, cut in a bit to the right, and was able to beat Courtois far post. After nine minutes, West Brom were on top.
The Blues had multiple spells of extended possession, but couldn’t find a direct reply to Berahino’s goal. The Albion defense was regularly found hugging their own penalty area, but stood strong to disperse any Chelsea threat.
On 25 minutes, Chelsea nearly leveled the score. A quick counter was launched through Diego Costa following a Albion corner. The forward dragged the ball wide, and played in Eden Hazard. While many thought the Belgian’s near post effort was destined for goal, a slight deflection took it over the crossbar.
A state of confusion would break out with around a half hour gone. During the stoppage in play, Costa was shown a yellow card, and Fabregas was sent off for kicking a ball at an Albion player. Chelsea were already down a goal, and would now be down a man too.
Even with the man advantage, West Brom still looked a bit poor. They showed flashes of attacking intent, but gave the ball away much too cheaply, and failed to take advantage of their man advantage towards the end of the half.
At halftime, Chelsea had the unusual feeling of being behind. The Blues are more talented than West Brom on paper, and it would be interesting to see if the gameplan doesn’t change, and Chelsea continue to try and break down the opposition. Or if they plan to sit back somewhat, and try to catch the Baggies on the break.
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The second half would start sensationally, Berahino again causing the Chelsea defense problems, and earning a penalty kick after John Terry took him down in the penalty area. Berahino would clinch a brace, after scoring from the spot kick. With just over a minute gone in the half, Albion had doubled their lead.
The lead was nearly cut in half on 55 minutes, but Remy’s left footed effort bounced agonizingly off the post.
With an hour gone, the lead was three for the hosts. Chris Brunt was able to get off a shot unmarked inside the box, and beat Courtois near post to add to the lead.
A chorus of “we’ve won the league” echoed from the stands as Chelsea tried to salvage a goal in the late stages. The support was in full force despite the scoreline.
The game would come to a dull conclusion, with Chelsea 3-0 losers in their last road game of the season. The Blues will finish their campaign at Stamford Bridge next week against relegation threatened Sunderland.
MOTM: Saido Berahino – The English youth international gave the Chelsea defense fits all night, earning a brace for his efforts.