When patience pays off – a Michy Batshuayi story

Chelsea clinched the Premier League title last night with the winning goal coming from an unlikely source. Michy Batshuayi was given 15 minutes to make an impact and he did not disappoint.

Chelsea travelled to the Hawthorns on Friday night needing only one more win to claim the title. This fixture was always going to be tough. Tony Pulis’ tactics were predictable.

West Brom were incredibly defensive. Besides a few counter-attacking chances, they largely sat back and let Chelsea dominate possession – but with little way through to goal. The Blues only registered four shots on target in 75 minutes. Then, finally, Antonio Conte made some changes.

In a double substitution, Eden Hazard and Pedro made way for Willian and Michy Batshuayi. This shifted the formation to the much called for 3-5-2. But it wasn’t until the 82nd minute that it paid off.

After a tense spell of play in and around the box, Cesar Azpilicueta cut the ball across the face of the goal and Batshuayi saw it over the line. It was all the Blues needed for the title.

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Batshuayi has been the subject of much controversy within the Chelsea community this season. His transfer in the summer was thought to provide a much-needed option for rotating Diego Costa. Once Conte switched to a 3-4-3, however, his purpose became redundant. In times of Costa’s unavailability the manager even preferred Hazard as a centre-forward over the second choice striker.

But the Belgian has remained patient. He has played just over 100 minutes in the league this season but has worked hard in whatever little game time he has been given. In the early stages of the FA Cup, he was Conte’s first choice. He performed extremely well.

Despite struggling to prove himself to the manager, his attitude has remained positive. This is what stands out. There have been no rumours of disagreement between him and the staff, nor any visible signs of disappointment from the bench. On social media, he has supported Chelsea with enthusiasm. He’s gone through this season ready to prove himself when the chance was given to him. Last night, he did just that.

The league-winning goal was only the Belgian’s second in the league this season. Although the game was growing increasingly frustrating for the Blues, it was somewhat brave of Conte to bring on such an unpractised player. The amount of trust put into Batshuayi in that moment must have been overwhelming. But he rose to the occasion and was in the right place at exactly the right time.

Next: Batshuayi sets new standard for impact subs

It says a lot about the manager’s system when players with little game time remain in good spirits and stay focused. It has been clear for some time that Antonio Conte knows how to connect with his players and bring forth a real team atmosphere. Michy was rewarded for his patience, and in turn rewarded Chelsea with the Premier League.