Chelsea did not only get one hand on the Premier League on Monday, they also confirmed Middlesbrough’s relegation with a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Conte’s side can become champions with victory against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Friday night while Steve Agnew’s side join north-east neighbours, Sunderland, in the Championship.
After missing a succession of chances the Blues were a goal up when Diego Costa drove Cesc Fabregas’ pass through the legs of Middlesbrough keeper, Brad Guzan, after 23 minutes to score his 20th Premier League goal of the season.
Marcos Alonso scored Chelsea’s second at the far post again via the legs of Guzan 11 minutes before the break.
Fabregas created Chelsea’s third which Nemanja Matic converted in the 65th minute as the hosts laid siege to Boro’s goal.
Middlesbrough’s relegation is the climax of a decline which saw Aitor Karanka, the man who brought them up from the second tier of English football, leave in March.
