Monday 15 May 2017 22:47, UK
Premier League champions Chelsea's much-changed line-up finally managed to see off Watford 4-3 in an entertaining game at Stamford Bridge on Monday. Goals from John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta, Michy Batshuayi and Cesc Fabregas helped them to the points.
Having made only 38 changes all season prior to Monday night, it was an unfamiliar-looking Chelsea side with Antonio Conte making nine changes to the team in giving an opportunity to a number of young players as well as departing club captain Terry.
However, what is striking about Chelsea's season is how those players outside the established first-choice 11 have still managed to have their moments in this title win - some of them coming at the most pivotal phases in the campaign.
Willian's autumn interventions
The first game that Chelsea started with a 3-4-3 formation featured Willian in what would go on to become the Pedro role as the season progressed. The game was goalless after an hour until the Brazilian expertly curled the ball into the top right corner of the net.
"This wasn't an easy game at the time," Jamie Carragher told Monday Night Football. "Hull had started the season well under Mike Phelan. I think this is what won them the title. Without the result in that game, do the players have the belief to go forward?"
If that game gave the team belief in the system, the match that assured everyone else that Chelsea were on course to claim the title was their 3-1 victory at Manchester City in December - a match in which Willian also scored what proved the winner.
Fabregas making the difference
It was a victory that hinged on one mad minute shortly before Willian's goal. Kevin De Bruyne missed a clear opportunity to put City two goals up just before the hour mark and Chelsea promptly went up the other end to equalise, turning the game on its head.
The one that had the biggest impact in my mind was Manchester City away.
"The one that had the biggest impact in my mind was Manchester City away," Gary Neville told Monday Night Football. "The change around in seconds in that game from the De Bruyne miss to Chelsea scoring and going on to win 3-1 damaged Manchester City badly."
Diego Costa was the goalscorer but it was Fabregas's sublime lofted pass that created it. The Spaniard has not been a regular starter under Conte but he has been a regular contributor to the team with more assists (11) than any other Chelsea player this season.
Batshuayi's big moment
Fabregas even found assists in back-to-back wins against Southampton, Everton and Middlesbrough recently, while it was Batshuayi who got the goal that secured the title in the victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns last Monday.
It has been a difficult campaign for the Belgian forward but he finally got his big moment to remember and the chance to feel a part of the title triumph. Batshuayi followed it up with another goal - his first in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge - against Watford.
The ultimate team effort?
Of course, the fact that John Terry scored what might prove to be his last for the club on the same night took more headlines, the veteran defender's opportunistic opener meaning he has netted for Chelsea in 17 consecutive Premier League seasons.
But it's perhaps just as fitting that Cesar Azpilicueta also got onto the scoresheet as well, his first of the campaign ensuring that every outfield player in Conte's first-choice selection has contributed a Premier League goal this term.
Naturally, the likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante will be regarded as the on-field heroes of the season. But despite the settled side, the win over Watford was a reminder that beyond the main 11 there are still those who've played a part - a squad effort as well as a team one.
