Chelsea champions thanks to Michy Batshuayi's late strike against West Brom

Michy Batshuayi was the unlikely hero as Chelsea struck late to clinch the Premier League title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at West Brom.

The Blues knew three points would see them crowned champions for the second time in three seasons, and they ensured it would be a weekend of celebration courtesy of a rare goal eight minutes from time from the Belgium international.

Batshuayi has not started a league match all season, but came to the rescue within six minutes of taking to the field after Tony Pulis' men had threatened to make it a night of frustration for the visitors.

The victory sees Chelsea move an unsurpassable 10 points clear of second-placed Tottenham and means they can now look forward to a homecoming party when they entertain Watford at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

It is the fifth time the West Londoners have won the Premier League and caps an impressive first campaign at the helm for boss Antonio Conte, who will now hope to clinch the Double when his side meet Arsenal in the FA Cup final on May 27.

Take a bow Antonio Conte. The Blues looked off the pace in the opening weeks of the season, suffering what looked like significant defeats to rivals Liverpool and Arsenal. Cue a change in tactics and a switch to a back three that has completely transformed their fortunes. It was a bold move; one that has paid off, and then some. Chelsea have pretty much led the way ever since and are worthy champions. The Double is still very much on the cards and, should they see off Arsenal in the FA Cup final, it will all have been achieved after Conte pitting his wits against some of the finest super coaches in world football. The focus will now begin to turn to Wembley, but Roman Abramovich will already be planning to do everything in his power to keep hold of his manager and firmly banish media rumours of a possible return to his homeland.

Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea). The striker has had a frustrating time at Chelsea, but will now go down in club folklore for an all-important goal. It was proving to be elusive until the Belgian ran into the right place at the right time, and it was the decisive moment in the match.

West Brom: Foster 7; Dawson 7, McAuley 7, Evans 7, Nyom 7; Brunt 7, Livermore 7, Fletcher 7, Field 6, McClean 6; Rondon 6. Subs: Yacob 6, Chadli 6, Wilson 6.

Chelsea: Courtois 7; Azpilicueta 7, David Luiz 7, Cahill 7; Moses 7, Matic 7, Fabregas 7, Alonso 7; Pedro 6, Diego Costa 6, Hazard 6. Subs: Willian 6, Batshuayi 7, Zouma n/a.

1' - WEST BROM CHANCE. A really fast start from WBA. Fletcher floats it towards Rondon, who sees his looping header from distance tipped over the top by Courtois.

33' - CHELSEA CHANCE. Fabregas takes a pass in his stride and whistles a low effort just past the far post from outside the right of the area.

47' - CHELSEA CHANCE. Moses sees a low drive brilliantly tipped past the post by Foster.

53' - CHELSEA CHANCE. Hazard bursts free on the left of the box. He cuts it back and almost teases an own goal out of Dawson, but the defender gets lucky as it hits Yacob on the line and bounces to safety.

70' - WEST BROM CHANCE. Chelsea lose the ball and West Brom break. Rondon is left one-on-one with Luiz on the halfway line and the forward bursts beyond him. Azpilicueta tries to race back and manages to get a block in to divert the strike wide.

72' - WEST BROM CHANCE. Another big chance for the hosts. Chelsea are caught out again on the counter. Livermore feeds Chadli, who fires wide from the right of the area.

82' - GOAL! WEST BROM 0-1 CHELSEA. Batshuayi tucks home Azpilicueta's low cross from close range and Chelsea are minutes away from the title!