Chelsea celebrates title with 5-1 win over Sunderland

Sunderland took a shock lead through Javier Manquillo but goals from Willian, Eden Hazard, Pedro and Michy Batshuayi’s late brace ensured Chelsea’s party wasn’t spoilt.

Chelsea's John Terry walks through a guard of honour from his teammates as he is substituted off in the 26th minute, to match his 26 shirt number as he is expected to leave the club, during the English Premier League match against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

Premier League champion Chelsea celebrated its title in style with a 5-1 victory over relegated Sunderland on Sunday.

For once the football was secondary at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea fans bid farewell to John Terry as the club’s long-serving captain made his final home appearance.

MATCH CENTRE

Sunderland took a shock lead through Javier Manquillo but goals from Willian, Eden Hazard, Pedro and Michy Batshuayi’s late brace ensured Chelsea’s party wasn’t spoilt.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte fielded a strong line-up with the only notable alteration being the inclusion of Terry, who was making his 717th appearance for the club.

Terry was given a guard of honour by his teammates as he was symbolically withdrawn in the 26th minute — matching the shirt number he has worn throughout his 19-year professional career with the club.

There had already been two goals by the time Terry departed. Sunderland full back Manquillo shocked the home side as he volleyed into the roof of the net after just three minutes.

But the Blues were level just five minutes later as Willian’s powerful strike squeezed past Jordan Pickford.

Sunderland limited Chelsea’s chances as the home fans entertained themselves by praising Conte with regular stadium-wide chants of ‘Antonio’

Chelsea took the lead in the 61st minute through its best attacking player this season Hazard.

Diego Costa chested down and played in Hazard on the left, who took the ball wide and powered his shot across goal and past Pickford.

The assist proved to be Costa’s final contribution as he was withdrawn — notably waving as he left the field, further fuelling rumours that he will leave the Premier League in a lucrative move to China this summer.

Pedro came off the bench to take advantage of Joleon Lescott’s poorly judged header back to Pickford before setting up Batshuayi to continue his strong finish to the season.

The Belgium forward then added another in stoppage time to crown a perfect afternoon for Chelsea.

Chelsea has the chance to complete a domestic double when it faces Arsenal in the FA Cup final next Saturday.