Chelsea 3 Middlesbrough 0 Chelsea are one more win from the title after crushing Middlesbrough in a one-sided game at Stamford Bridge.
Advertisement
Chelsea will be crowned champions if they are able to win at West Brom on Friday, while Boro drop back to the Championship after a single season’s stay in the top flight.
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte praised the “fantastic” Cesc Fabregas after his team took another step towards the Premier League title. “I did it in the first season at Chelsea, when we were champions, and if I get 19 or 20 this season and we turn out to be champions then great, it means something and it is for something”. “I think if you compare Tottenham Hotspur with Chelsea, they had an advantage this season”, the Italian said.
Chelsea will hand a late fitness test to David Luiz after he limped off with a groin problem during the win over Everton but the Brazilian worldwide is expected to be passed fit. Following Costa’s opener, the Stamford Bridge faithful loudly chanted: “Are you watching Tottenham?”. – Cesc Fabregas provided his 10th assist of the season – he’s now had 10 or more assists in six different Premier League campaigns, more than any other player (Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney with five).
He also re-iterated a belief that Tottenham have the stronger squad and are more “advanced” with manager Mauricio Pochettino working with his team for the third year.
“My expectation for this game is we must play a great game against Middlesbrough”, he said.
No one thought Chelsea could fight to win the title and be in the FA Cup final this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Fabregas reflected on a dominant display in this game, but also a hard season for himself.
He said: “I live my work in an intensive way”.
“When I chose to come back I knew I would work with a fantastic coach, at a fantastic club, in a fantastic city and with many fantastic players”.
“At this moment, I like also to divide this joy with my players, with my staff, and with my fans”.
Chelsea have already equalled the points tally of Leicester City in 2015-16 (81) and if they win their remaining four Premier League games they will reach 93 points.
Make friends: Check out We Ain’t Got No History for more Chelsea coverage.
“Now we have to finish off strongly before a summer of reflection”.
The Premier League champions-elect entered the game as heavy favourites against Middlesbrough, who were battling to keep their faint hopes of survival alive.
Advertisement
“I think you repay them for their effort”.
