Meaningless but Thrilling: Twitter Reacts to West Brom's 3-0 Win over Chelsea

In a parallel universe somewhere, Chelsea's visit to the Hawthorns was a high-stakes game between a side chasing the Premier League title and another desperate for survival. Sadly, in this universe, there was absolutely nothing at stake in the final game of the season at the Hawthorns. The folks on Twitter before kick-off were acutely aware of this fact...  

"

West Brom and Chelsea is up there with one of the most pointless games this season

— Alex (@Mallia1996) May 18, 2015"

The game, however, was anything but dull. Before the action began, there was much discussion about the return of a certain Brazilian-born Spanish national team striker...

"

I'll watch this match because of Diego costa!!

— David (@iam_gflex) May 18, 2015"

"

I've missed Diego Costa so much. Welcome back bruh!

— Otunba Wole (@Kingwole) May 18, 2015"

Brilliantly named Chelsea youth product Ruben Loftus-Cheek was handed his second start of the season, and the 19-year-old is clearly getting used to making an entrance...

It became quite clear that there was little pressure on either side when Jose Mourinho waited for Tony Pulis in the tunnel, before giving his opposite number a little cuddle and some verbal pleasantries...

"

Jose Mourinho and Tony Pulis. pic.twitter.com/s8u8qSSARc

— BPL Zone (@BPLZone) May 18, 2015"

"

The Pulis and Mourinho bromance 

— Luke Aaron Moore (@lukeymoore) May 18, 2015"

The bromance and Mou's positive demeanour fizzled out, however, when the Baggies took the lead through a fantastic strike from Saido Berahino...

"

Saido Berahino’s agent right now... https://t.co/arnljlymNU

— Football Vines (@FootballVines) May 18, 2015"

A few minutes before the half-hour mark, it became clear that the memo about this game essentially being a friendly had not reached the field.

Diego Costa was booked for a fracas with Gareth McAuley, and during the melee, Cesc Fabregas booted the ball at Chris Brunt's head. The masked midfielder was duly given his marching orders...

"

Imagine If Tony Adams was playing Costa. He would swat him like the bug he is.

— Martin (@martinbrophy7) May 18, 2015"

"

Live scenes from the Hawthorns! #WBAvCHE pic.twitter.com/5K95xyZAFA

— Football Tips (@footballtips) May 18, 2015"

At half-time, fans reflected on a dead rubber that utterly failed to live up to its boring billing...

"

That was a fab 45 minutes. Apart from the handbags bit. ⚽️ #WBAvCHE

— Suzanne Howard (@howard_suzanne) May 18, 2015"

"

Tony Pulis' anti-football clashes with Jose's anti-football & it produces a proper game.The laws of physics sleep soundly tonight. #WBAvCHE

— GerryFeeney™ (@CathalTracey) May 18, 2015"

Within seconds of the restart, there was more drama as John Terry scythed down Berahino in the area to concede a penalty. Terry escaped punishment, but Berahino made it 2-0 from the spot...

On the hour mark, the Baggies put the game out of reach of the league champions when no one closed down Brunt and he was able to fire a long-range daisy cutter past Thibaut Courtois...

With around 10 minutes to go, Loic Remy was replaced by 18-year-old former West Brom forward Izzy Brown, who received a frosty reception from the home fans. Twitter took a dim view to this behaviour...

"

West Brom fans booing Izzy Brown for having ambition is quite funny.

— Shàyne (@TacticalOscar) May 18, 2015"

The final whistle blew on Chelsea's biggest league defeat in three years with the away fans in jubilant form, based on their performance over the season, rather than a single night in the Black Country... 

It was one of the most entertaining meaningless games in recent history, but ultimately, it will be remembered for the hilarious sending off of Chelsea's primary assist provider...

@BR_UK

Follow @RyanJayBailey