Chelsea Risk Missing Out On Champions League Football For 2026/27 If Their Form Continues
After dominating Aston Villa in the first half of their tie on Saturday, Chelsea were completely overtaken in the second half as two Ollie Watkins goals stole all three points for Aston Villa.
The Blues are now 10 points behind Aston Villa in third and 13 points away from the top of the table. Chelsea are also on the same points as Manchester United, with “crisis-ridden” Liverpool leapfrogging Chelsea by three points over the weekend.
Chelsea’s place in the Champions League for next season is now seriously in doubt as their league form continues to suffer.
Chelsea’s Poor Form Started In December
Two months ago, Chelsea were in the title race with Arsenal. The Blues sat above Manchester City and a struggling Liverpool side. However, since the end of November, Chelsea have struggled to win matches in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca’s men have dropped 12 points in their last six Premier League matches, losing to the likes of Leeds and Aston Villa, and dropping points against Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Newcastle United.
Chelsea experienced a similar slump during the festive period and the new year last season, but they managed to recover and qualify directly for the Champions League places.
However, with Aston Villa, Manchester United, and outsiders like Tottenham still to face in the race for Champions League qualification, Chelsea will have to start winning games if they are to continue in the Champions League for next season.
The Blues’ recent form has led to talks about the future of manager Enzo Maresca, but the Chelsea hierarchy remain firm in their support for the Italian. He has also reiterated that he remains focused on the Chelsea job and nothing else.
