Chelsea were crowned Barclays Premier League champions for the fourth
time after securing an edgy 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.After coming from behind to beat Leicester City 3-1 in midweek, Jose Mourinho's side knew three points at Stamford Bridge would clinch a first title since 2010.
Palace manager Alan Pardew, who masterminded one of Chelsea's two top-flight defeats this term while in charge of Newcastle United, urged his team to make Mourinho and company wait to pop the champagne corks.
The visitors put in a spirited display throughout, but were undermined when James McArthur felled Eden Hazard in the penalty area on the stroke of half-time.
Hazard saw his resulting spot-kick saved by Julian Speroni before nodding in the rebound, and it was fitting that the PFA Player of the Year, who has been so instrumental in Chelsea's success this season, should get the goal that earned Mourinho his third Barclays Premier League crown.
Chelsea were not at their best in a nervy second half but got the job done to seal the title with three matches to spare. The Stamford Bridge faithful chanted Mourinho's name as they celebrated a second trophy this term following their League Cup success in March.
Mourinho had a simple 10-word message in his programme notes: "Three more points to be champions. Let's do it together."
Chelsea had to show that united front to guard against an enterprising opening from Palace as the hosts struggled to muster much in front of goal.
Juan Cuadrado, who was drafted in as a late replacement after Ramires pulled out in the warm-up, flashed a 30-yard strike over the crossbar, before Palace had claims for a penalty turned down when Jason Puncheon's deflected shot struck the arm of John Terry.
A spot-kick was awarded at the other end shortly before the break, though, when Hazard was tripped by McArthur after a darting run into the box.
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The Belgium forward's weak penalty was saved by Speroni, but the ball popped up for Hazard to head in the rebound to ease the tension around Stamford Bridge.
Keen to protect their lead, Chelsea lowered the tempo after the break, Branislav Ivanovic and John Obi Mikel both missing with long-rang efforts.
Palace did not do much to threaten an equaliser, although Puncheon's fizzing 30-yard shot went just wide and their willingness to play on the front foot made sure Chelsea could not relax.
Thibaut Courtois, a spectator in the Chelsea goal for most of the match, proved his worth to deny Wilfried Zaha from close range, while Willian skipped past two challenges and shot narrowly wide at the other end.
It mattered little as Mourinho and his players celebrated jubilantly at full-time.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "The group started with the Capital One Cup and now the Premier League.
"But we know the country where we are and every other team that can win it will come back even stronger every season.
"It's not a country to be a force and dominate football. But we will try to deliver and be top of the league and to win again."
"Every title is a consequence of hard work, is a reason to be happy and proud. I can't [rank them].
"This one is my last title so it is my last one. For sure I will try to get another."
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: "They kept the ball, frustrated us, made it difficult for us to break them down. That's what champions do, they don't let you back in when they get the lead. That's why they continue to do the job in each scenario or game they come by.
"[But] we've given a great account of ourselves, you could see at the end my players could hardly move. I think that was a tremendous tribute to them."
"In the first half of the season I don't think anyone moaned about Chelsea [being boring]. In the second half of the season they've obviously done the job. Sometimes fantasy and flair goes out the window in order to do the job and to win.
"That's why this guy [Mourinho] earns the money that he earns; because he wins, he wins trophies and he'll win it in a manner that he thinks is right for that occasion."
Chelsea
Manager: José Mourinho
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