Upset. Dismay. Confusion. Anger.
These words sum up Chelsea’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat at The Hawthorns. It was almost as bad as Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace. Sorry, too soon Stevie G?
Jose Mourinho knows he doesn’t need the win anymore, but the clumsy mistakes and unnecessary anger by keys players in Chelsea’s title-winning run marked their third defeat this season. Despite losing the chance to take “bonus” points home to London, Cesc Fabregas’ childish stunt of kicking the ball at the heads of West Brom players led to his dismissal. Sure, it is the end of the season, but he will receive a three match ban that carries over into next season. His first will be served during the final match against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, and then the next two will carry over through the summer.
The debate can go on and on about whether or not there truly was violent intent behind his elementary move after Costa’s yellow card but, the fact of the matter is, he has hurt his team for the future by doing something that was not necessary.
John Terry’s heart skipped a beat too later in the match when he faced a possible red card from his challenge on Berahino that resulted in a penalty and the second goal of the match.
Surely Fabregas’ two absence at the beginning of next season won’t effect Chelsea’s performance too drastically, but it will be a big role for Mourinho to fill alongside Nemanja Matic.