The ball is in Chelsea’s half to finish the season on a high note

Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea is three points clear of the chasing pack for the final champions league spot with tons of games on the horizon.

After the events of last week, it was significant for the Blues to come away with all three points in the London derby. In the battle of West London vs East London, it was the former who took the initiative to take the lead over the other in the quest for premier European competition.

There has never been a season in the premier league with as many as eight teams with a genuine chance to finish inside the top four. Among them, Manchester city has already confirmed their spot. It can be assumed Manchester United’s position is also comparatively safe. Consequently, it is down to two among Leicester City, Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur to pursue it out.

As such the six-pointer against West Ham was important for the blues. The setbacks against West Brom and Brighton, two matches they were expected to win, meant there was no room for error. It was a hard-fought battle, but the Tuchel’s side managed to come away with all three points.

Newcastle’s late equalizer against Liverpool earlier on the day was equally a blessing for them. It is as if the luck is doing their part for the blues just like last two seasons. Even though Chelsea currently enjoys a three-point lead over the chasing pack, they have some tough fixtures coming up. Manchester City away, Arsenal home, and Aston Villa are no walk in the park. The same can be said about yet another six-pointer against Leicester who is currently in the third spot who is Chelsea’s FA cup opponents.

Unlike the chasing pack, Chelsea also has to handle the trivial matter of champions league. It can be even said, winning the tournament altogether is the best way to qualify for it next season. Their semi-final opponents Real Madrid have dropped points recently in the league and have prominent players out injured.

Chelsea, however, has the squad to compete in all three tournaments. One thing Chelsea have proved under Tuchel so far is that they know how to perform in the big matches. It is the matches they are expected to win that proved to be the thorn in their path.

The team in front of them, Leicester also has some tough fixtures coming up. If they are to slip like last year, Chelsea has a chance to finish even as high as third. However, the prospect of both the third and fourth-placed teams having important fixtures can fuel the confidence of the chasing pack. The premier league champions Liverpool are one of the teams with the easiest of fixtures. But as seen on Saturday at Anfield, nothing is guaranteed in this league.

Chelsea has a quality squad and in Tuchel, a manager who has already proven he has the potential to take the side higher. It is all about seizing the opportunities on all three fronts. Also hoping luck and injuries are kind to them.