West
Brom boss Tony Pulis hailed Chelsea as "worthy champions" after Antonio
Conte's side wrapped up the Premier League crown.
Michy Batshuayi netted a famous late winner as Chelsea sealed the title with
two games to spare after a hard-fought 1-0 win at Pulis' Baggies.
Batshuayi had not scored in the league since August but slid in to meet a
Cesar Azpilicueta cut-back in the 82nd minute - just moments after coming
off the bench - to ensure the Blues secured a second league crown in three
seasons.
However, West Brom gave Chelsea a tough workout and the result could have
been different if Salomon Rondon or Nacer Chadli finished fine second-half
chances.
"They are worthy champions, they have to take a lot of credit and could do
the double this season," Pulis told Sky Sports.
"They are a wonderful team and have been fantastic this year. They had a
poor start but recovered and have been the most consistent side. We gave
them a really good game, that's what we wanted to do. We wanted to make it
difficult for them."
Conte, who claimed three Serie A titles as Juventus coach, has wasted no
time in getting the London club back on top after a chaotic title defence
last season led to the sacking of Jose Mourinho and an eventual 10th-place
finish.
Pulis has relished picking his wits against the Italian this season.
"He's been fantastic, his enthusiasm and his attitude," he said.
"People on the bench had been saying about how he gets into it like
supporters do. But's he's also a good coach with a great understanding. I
spoke to him before the match and he said he recognised he had to change his
tactics early in the season otherwise he might've been changed himself."
top