With the title clinched in dramatic fashion at the Hawthorns on Friday night, Antonio Conte made nine changes his starting line-up.
With little to play for, the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge seemed almost like a pre-season fixture. With so many new faces, a drop in performance was to be expected, but Conte will still be disappointed with his side conceding three goals for the first time since switching to the three in the back formation.
But as one of the oldest clichés in English football says, “Champions win even when they aren’t at their best,” and Fabregas’ late goal ensured this side equalled Jose Mourinho’s record of having the most amount of wins in a Premier League season, a record they can beat with a victory on the final day of the campaign.
Looking back Conte will be happy with his team’s attacking display, but the three goals conceded will only serve to reinforce the notion that depth is needed at the back.
It was a good opportunity to reward Chelsea’s fringe players and emerging with the win will undoubtedly please Conte.
