Darren Fletcher, the West Brom and Scotland captain, insists his West Midlands side were on top even before Cesc Fabregas' bizarre red card capped a wretched night for Chelsea as the champions were shocked 3-0 by West Brom.

Saido Berahino's double ended his own nine-game drought as he made it 20 goals for the season for the Baggies.

Chris Brunt added a third to compound Chelsea's miserable night in the West Midlands as their 16-game unbeaten league run ended.

And Fabregas' first-half dismissal will go down as one of the most mindless in the history of the Premier League.

The midfielder saw red after kicking the ball against the side of Brunt's head as referee Mike Jones took control of a clash between Gareth McAuley and Diego Costa.

"It was a great performance," said Fletcher, who has been a revelation since joining Tony Pulis at the Hawthorns. "Even before the red card we were frustrating Chelsea. Saido scored a fantastic goal.

"I came here to play football. I am enjoying my football, the manager is fantastic and I am really enjoying being at the club.

"We expected Chelsea to play the young players but they put their full strength team out. Them losing their cool plays into our hands and helps us.

"When there is a group of players and the balls hits someone on the back of the head, it is out or order. I wasn't happy about it and I made my feelings known more than I should perhaps."

Fabregas showed signs of his ill-temper in a rare flair up with Fletcher, who squared up to the midfielder before the Spaniard was sent off.

It was stupid from the former Barcelona star but gave the game much-needed bite. Fletcher was booked for his part in the incident.

Chelsea were 2-0 behind before they could even blink after the break when just 26 seconds after the restart John Terry scythed down Saido Berahino in the area and the striker beat Thibaut Courtois from the spot.

Remy thumped the post from 20 yards but it was only a brief threat from the visitors and Brunt sealed Albion's victory on the hour.

Chelsea switched off from a short corner and the midfielder was allowed to run into the box and lash past Courtois at his near post.

West Brom boss Pulis added: "Our last five games looked so difficult and we were so on edge after defeats to QPR and Leicester but the lads have dug in and been wonderful.

"We made it difficult for Chelsea and looked dangerous when we broke. Jose Mourinho asked me where I was going on holiday at the end.

"I have managed against him twice and managed to beat him twice,. He has been very gracious in defeat. They have been worthy champions though, a fantastic football club and for people to criticise them is unbelievable. They have been the best team by a country mile this season."