For many months now, Chelsea have looked destined to be crowned Premier League Champions, and they finally achieved their goal with two games to spare following a hard fought 1-0 victory at West Brom.

It has been a remarkable season for Antonio Conte in his first season in West London, and it could get even better should he lead his team to success in the FA Cup Final against Arsenal later this month.

So how did they do it? Shoot! examine seven factors which contributed to Chelsea’s triumph in the 2016-2017 Premier League season…

Master Tactician

A lot of credit should be given to Antonio Conte, who identified the issues that hindered Chelsea earlier on this season and made the changes necessary to get the best out of his side.

Quite simply, reverting to 3-5-2 was a masterstroke. Six games into the season and Chelsea were struggling. A 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at home was disappointing, but a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal set the alarm bells ringing.

Something had to be done, and Conte boldly changed tactics to a counter-attacking 3-5-2. The players seemed to fit the season perfectly, with players such as Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz thriving in the new system.

It proved to be the best decision of the season and one that kick-started the Blues’ triumphant campaign.

Failure of Rivals

Chelsea have been exceptional this season, but the failure of their rivals also contributed greatly. One by one, their rivals have suffered hiccups that took them out the title race.

After an electric start, Manchester City fell away and have not looked like title contenders for months. They are now battling to secure a top four finish.

Despite spending big in the summer, Manchester United have had 14 draws to date and struggled in front of goal.

Arsenal suffered their usual collapse and now occupy a lowly fifth spot. Liverpool were Chelsea’s nearest challengers going into the New Year, but they have failed to dispose of teams in the bottom half.

Tottenham built momentum in the latter part of the season, but their run came too late as a loss away to West Ham ended their hopes.

Their title rivals spent big in the summer, but despite this they have not been able to replicate the remarkable consistency shown by Chelsea across the whole season.

The Genius of Kante

The purchase of N’Golo Kante from Leicester City in the summer has turned out to be the signing of the season.

The Frenchman may only be 5ft 6in, but despite his size, he has been a giant in midfield for Chelsea.

He is second in the league for tackles with 114. He is also tied seventh for interceptions with 79. He is not just a defensive minded player, he has also played a pivotal role initiating counter-attacks and contribution in the final third.

Such a remarkable season has not gone unrewarded. He has won the Premier League Player of the Season, as well as the Football Writer’s Player of the Season.

He has been truly sensational this season and deserves winning the title for the second consecutive year.

Hazard’s Revival

The Belgian had a very poor season last season and consequently Chelsea struggled. Hazard only recorded four goals and three assists in 31 appearances – an extremely underwhelming tally for someone of his calibre.

But a change in manager and system has reignited the Belgian, who has thrived under the guidance of Conte. He has been back to his scintillating best, having notched 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, as well as racking up five assists.

He was nominated for the Player of the Season award, but lost out to team-mate, Kante.

Nevertheless, Chelsea have often turned to Hazard as their main creative spark, and his return to form has been vital for his club’s success this season.

Hazard and Kante were Chelsea’s two stand-out performers this term.

Unsung Heroes

Even those that have previously been criticised had superb seasons. Cesar Azpilicueta is naturally a full-back, but he has been a rock for Chelsea in the centre of defence.

David Luiz silenced his critics with a tremendous season at the back. Marcos Alonso did not impress at Sunderland or Bolton earlier on his career, but he has been fantastic at wing back.

Victor Moses has had a very underwhelming career to date as a winger, but he seems to have stumbled upon his best role at right wing back.

Although we have picked out just four, it has been a team effort for Chelsea this season. To make a good team everyone must pull their weight, and when called upon every Chelsea player has managed to do that this season.

No Europe

Barring Liverpool, unlike their rivals Chelsea have not had to mount a challenge on a continental front this season.

This means that Conte has not been forced to rotate his team as much as his rivals, meaning he can fully concentrate on his title aspirations.

This means Chelsea’s players have not played as much as other teams players this campaign, and they have thrived as a result.

Incredible Squad Depth

Chelsea’s depth has been a huge factor in their success. Barring N’Golo Kante, it seems every single player in their starting line-up is replaceable.

It is incredible how players with huge quality, such as Cesc Fabregas, cannot make the starting line-up. The Spaniard has had to make do with only 11 Premier League starts, but he has been dependable whenever called upon this season.

Michy Batushayi, Kurt Zouma and John Terry are others that would get into most Premier League teams, but can barely get a game.

Even their brightest spark in attack, Eden Hazard, can easily be replaced, by Chelsea’s 2015-2016 Player of the Season, Willian.

Whereas other teams have faltered when their best players have been absent, Chelsea have been able to cope when their key players are absent because of the incredible depth of their squad.