Chelsea given brutal Champions League qualification verdict despite Fulham comeback

Chelsea have been handed a harsh verdict on their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League despite their dramatic comeback victory over Fulham on Sunday.

Enzo Maresca’s side have endured an inconsistent run of form in recent weeks, having been forced to come from two goals down to salvage a draw against Ipswich Town earlier this month. Over the weekend, they again found themselves trailing, but second-half changes and late goals turned the game on its head, securing a stoppage-time win.

The result keeps Chelsea in fifth place, level on points with Nottingham Forest but ahead on goal difference. However, Forest have the chance to leapfrog the London club on Monday night if they beat Tottenham.

This season, five teams will qualify for the Champions League via league position, with leaders Liverpool already assured of a place as they close in on the title. Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Forest and Aston Villa remain in contention for the remaining spots.

Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer believes Chelsea and Forest will ultimately miss out, citing Chelsea’s patchy form as a key reason. Despite strong individual performances earlier in the campaign, players such as Cole Palmer are now struggling in front of goal, and the competition for Champions League places remains fierce.

Shearer told Match of the Day on Sunday: “They were very different halves and they were really struggling in the forward positions, Chelsea. When you consider Cole Palmer hasn’t scored in 16 games, Nicolas Jackson hasn’t scored in 13 games and it just wasn’t working for them again for whatever reason.

“They lost the ball far too easily, they weren’t really a threat in front of goal. Chelsea have got the toughest run-in, do you think?

“It’s hard enough to predict results anyway but at this stage of the season it’s almost impossible. But my guess will be maybe Chelsea and Nottingham Forest may miss out.”

Chelsea can secure Europa League qualification by winning this season’s UEFA Conference League, where they are currently semi-finalists. However, the Champions League remains the clear priority for a club aiming to compete for major honours in the coming years.

The run-in for Maresca’s side is anything but straightforward, with fixtures against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United still to come before the season concludes at the end of May.

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