Middlesbrough travelled to Stamford Bridge knowing that a loss would see them relegated tonight. However, after the performance they put in you would think they had already been relegated before the match started.
For the full game, Chelsea dominated Boro. After several good chances, the blues broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Fabio failed to clear a Chelsea cross which lead to Costa controlling it and finishing with ease.
Alonso then doubled their lead 10 minutes later with Azpilicueta providing the assist. Matic then wrapped up the win in the 65th minute giving Chelsea a 3-0 victory.
3 Key Talking Points From Chelsea’s 3-0 Win Over Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough are relegated
The biggest talking point coming out this game is Middlesbrough are now relegated. Middlesbrough are the league’s lowest goal scorers with 26 and it is a large reason why they are now down. They also failed to replace Karanka correctly and failed to sign any good attacking midfielders in January.
This has resulted in Middlesbrough winning just once in 2017 and now Chelsea have put the final nail in Middlesbrough’s coffin with tonight’s 3-0 win.
After such an awful performance against Chelsea, it is clear that Middlesbrough needs a huge change up at the club if they are to do well in the Championship next season.
Chelsea all but champions
After Tottenham lost to West Ham on Friday, Chelsea had the chance to create a seven-point game between them and Spurs.
Of course, due to Chelsea’s great performance and Middlesbrough’s woeful display they managed to do so. Chelsea now have a seven-point gap between them and Spurs with just three games left to play.
Therefore, if Chelsea wins at West Brom on Friday they will be crowned champions. Even if Chelsea do not get it done on Friday, it seems very unlikely they will not win the title this year.
Chelsea’s reaming games are against West Brom, Watford and Sunderland. With how well Chelsea have done this season it’s hard to see them not beating at least Sunderland to secure their place as champions this year. Kante will also be the first player to win the Premier League with two different clubs in back to back years.
Guzan’s awful display
With Victor Valdes still sidelined it was up to Guzan to try and keep Chelsea at bay. However, he did very much the opposite of this.
While Boro’s defenders did not help Guzan out his display was shocking. He managed to concede three goals against Chelsea. Ordinarily, this isn’t that shocking given Chelsea talent. But for all three goals, Guzan managed to let the ball go between his legs for every goal. While a keeper could be excused for letting one go between his legs in a game even twice at a push but three-time was just shocking. Especially Alonso’s goal which was very preventable and even looked a bit like an own goal.
See all three goals here.
Guzan is set to leave Boro in the summer for the MLS and after this display, Boro fans will be glad to see the back of him.
