Chelsea made light work of their capital
rivals West Ham United in Sunday’s Premier League London derby, hammering David
Moyes’ side 5-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were a far cry from their
shambolic display in the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal and have since put together a
three-match unbeaten run (W2, D1).
Back-to-back derby wins against Tottenham
Hotspur and West Ham have added a spring to Chelsea’s steps, reasserting them
into Europa League contention.
Their run of form couldn’t have come at a
better time. At the beginning of last month, Chelsea were
11th in the league table, but the Blues have turned their campaign
around.
Crystal Palace’s 4-0 thrashing of
Manchester United means that a European spot, which earlier looked like a
dream, is now very much achievable for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The Blues sit seventh in the Premier League
table, level on points with Man Utd, although with a significantly better goal
difference.
Pochettino’s side are also six points
behind a Spurs side in free fall and just two behind Newcastle United, who
appear to have rediscovered their groove during the run-in.
Nevertheless, Chelsea are still in control
of their own fate, but they must keep their foot on the gas heading into the
final three games of the season.
Here’s a look at Chelsea’s remaining
fixtures compared to their top six rivals.
Nottingham
Forest (A) – May 11
Pochettino’s high-flying Blues are back in
action this weekend as they take on relegation-battling Nottingham Forest at
City Ground.
Chelsea head into the game as favourites,
but it would be naive to write off Forest before the ball is kicked.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are fighting for
survival and have already proven they can cause problems for the big teams,
evidenced by their performance against City.
Forest eked out a 1-0 win over Chelsea in
the reverse fixture, but the Blues will be looking to settle the score at City
Ground.
Brighton
& Hove Albion (A) – May 15
The Blues then head to the Amex Stadium for
a crunch clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls have been in dismal form since
March but they finally ended their six-match winless run with a narrow 1-0
victory over Aston Villa.
Chelsea ran out 3-2 winners in the reverse
fixture at the Bridge despite seeing out the second half with ten men and will
need that resilience to see off Roberto De Zerbi’s side at the Amex.
Bournemouth
(H) – May 19
Chelsea end the campaign at home to
Bournemouth but will be hoping to be higher up the table before facing the
Cherries at the Bridge.
Bournemouth have been hugely impressive
this season, but they’ve struggled against the top teams, which plays into
Chelsea’s hands.
The Cherries held Pochettino’s side to a
goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium earlier this season. It’s up to the Blues
to ensure Andoni Iraola’s side leave the Bridge empty-handed.
Newcastle
United final three games
- Brighton & Hove Albion (H) – May 11
- Manchester United (A) – May 15
- Brentford (A) – May 19
Manchester
United final three games
- Arsenal (H) – May 12
- Newcastle (H) – May 15
- Brighton (H) – May 19
