Chelsea secured their first Premier League title in five years after a nervy 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues needed one more victory to ensure they could wrestle the league crown away from the Manchester stronghold, and Eden Hazard’s header – on the rebound after a spurned first-half penalty – was enough to settle a cagey affair.
Jose Mourinho has now taken his career haul to 22 trophies – this is his third league triumph with Chelsea – but he watched Alan Pardew’s men start the match with real gusto, determined to spoil the Blues’ big day.The title-winning goal came from Eden Hazard, a week after the Belgium winger’s dynamic, individual displays were honored by his fellow professionals with the player of the year award.
Although Hazard’s uncharacteristically weak penalty kick was saved by Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni at the end of the first half, the Belgian headed in the rebound. The scrappy, slender win encapsulated Chelsea’s recent performances but it was enough to establish an insurmountable lead and dethrone Manchester City, having spent the entire season at the summit.
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