Champions Chelsea thrashed relegated Sunderland 5-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and in doing so, they set a new Premier League record of 30 wins in a season.
An emotional John Terry made his final home appearance for Chelsea and he was afforded a superb tribute as the skipper was substituted in the 26th minute, mirroring the shirt number he has worn with distinction throughout his career.
Positives
The football may have been the supporting act to Terry's farewell; nevertheless, Chelsea proved their worthiness as title winners by responding to the shock of going a goal down inside five minutes by upping the ante and pulverising Sunderland.
Willian, Eden Hazard, Pedro and a late brace from Michy Batshuayi made the final score 5-1, but it could have been double that had Jordan Pickford not been at his best. A fantastic morale boost, not that it was needed for the forthcoming FA Cup final.
Negatives
Sunderland came out of the traps very sharply and their early goal was proof that Chelsea need to be fully focussed on the game from the first whistle.
Manager rating out of 10
10 -- In his prematch news conference, Antonio Conte had promised a "surprise" regarding Terry, and his agreement to the 26th minute substitution tribute was a mark of the Italian's character and respect for the career of Chelsea's most decorated player.
Once again, Conte managed his substitutions superbly with Pedro and Batshuayi coming off the bench to score.
Player ratings (1-10, 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Thibaut Courtois, 6 -- Golden glove winner Courtois was underemployed for much of the game as Chelsea laid siege to Sunderland's goal. Had little chance with Javier Manquillo's goal, but did make a smart save from a Jack Rodwell header early in the second half.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 8 -- Played a deeper lying role in the first half as Conte interchanged Terry with Gary Cahill. Got forward more in the second half and might have scored late on but put the ball just wide of Pickford's post. Azpilicueta is the only player to have played every minute of every game in Chelsea's title winning campaign. A notable achievement.
DF David Luiz, 7 -- Re-energised having been afforded a rest period by Conte, Luiz looked fully match fit and clearly benefitted from playing the full game ahead of next week's Wembley showdown with Arsenal.
DF John Terry, 7 -- A 26-minute cameo for Chelsea's veteran skipper, who richly deserved the applause he received throughout the afternoon, which was loudest of all when he lifted the 15th trophy of a remarkable career.
MF Victor Moses, 7 -- Linked up well with Willian and Diego Costa and always looked a potent threat on Chelsea's right flank.
MF Marcos Alonso, 7 -- Almost rounded off what has been a superb league campaign at left wing-back with more goals to add to the six he has for the season but saw a blistering free kick rebound from the woodwork.
MF N'Golo Kante, 7 -- A steely and stealthy performance from the multi-award-winning midfielder, who scarcely put a foot wrong and ensured Chelsea dominated the game.
MF Cesc Fabregas, 8 -- Pulled the strings in Chelsea's midfield with aplomb and picked out Pedro's intelligent run that would bring the third goal. Provided the assist for Batshuayi to round off the scoring. Hard to believe that on this form the Spaniard looks destined to be named among the substitutes for the FA Cup final.
FW Willian, 8 -- Arguably Chelsea's most potent threat, Willian was the hub of much of the creative play. Scored the equaliser with a fizzing low drive and played with typical energy and enthusiasm.
FW Eden Hazard, 8 -- A superb strike from the Belgium international, his 17th of a prolific season, was just reward for another dazzling performance. Fortunate to survive unscathed given the thuggish attentions of Rodwell and Billy Jones, Hazard was wisely replaced with 20 minutes remaining.
FW Diego Costa, 7 -- The occasion was all about this being Terry's last home game for Chelsea, but there were questions asked by supporters if this was Costa's Stamford Bridge curtain call as well. The striker had chances to score against a feeble defence but in the end had to settle for an assist credit for Hazard's goal.
Substitutes
DF Gary Cahill, 7 -- Supporting actor in the stage-managed Terry salute. Stood firm in defence and led by example as he has done all season.
FW Michy Batshuayi, 8 -- Found the net for a third successive game. A decent haul from the substitutes' bench for Chelsea's most expensive and underutilised asset of the season.
FW Pedro, N/R -- The Spaniard has had a scintillating season. Even when restricted to 20 minutes off the bench, Pedro was still able to deliver a goal and an assist. Outstanding.