Paul Merson has delivered a brutal verdict on Chelsea's current form, warning that failing to qualify for next season's Champions League would be a "massive, massive failure".
The former Arsenal midfielder was particularly disappointed by the Blues' performance against Sunderland, believing Xabi Alonso's side are nowhere near consistent enough to achieve their main goal this season.
Chelsea have shown glimpses of their quality under Alonso, but their inability to be consistent is becoming a serious concern.
And Merson believes the consequences of missing out on the Champions League would be huge.
Paul Merson makes worrying prediction after Sunderland defeat
Speaking after Chelsea's defeat at the Stadium of Light, Merson admitted he was hugely disappointed by what he saw from the Blues.
"I was very disappointed with Chelsea's performance at Sunderland. Very disappointed. They didn't play anywhere near the level they're capable of," he told Sky Sports.
"This is Chelsea. You can't have one good week, one bad week at this football club."
"The consistency they're showing at the moment is not enough for top-five football. And Chelsea's aim is to get in the Champions League."
"And if they don't get into the Champions League, it would be a massive, massive failure. A huge, massive failure."
It is a worrying assessment, especially given Chelsea's ambitions at the start of the campaign and the investment the club made in building a squad capable of competing at the highest level and on multiple fronts.
Chelsea can't afford another season without Champions League football
The Blues have spent heavily in recent years in an attempt to assemble one of the most expensive squads in European football and appointed Alonso with the hope that he can take them forward.
Qualifying for the Champions League should be the minimum the club looks to acheive.
Chelsea have shown they can compete with the best on their day, but performances like the one against Sunderland make it difficult to trust them to deliver consistently across a full season.
That is the biggest issue Alonso needs to address. His side cannot keep following impressive results with disappointing displays and expect to remain in contention to qualify for Europe's biggest competition.
There is still plenty of football to be played, and one defeat won't define our season. However, the side need to start showing that they can respond to setbacks positively.
Missing out on the Champions League wouldn't just be damaging financially, but also in terms of the club's ability to attract the best players.
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