In the final stretch of the Premier League season, Chelsea finds themselves in a nail-biting pursuit of a European spot, with just two games remaining on their calendar. While their destiny isn't entirely within their control, as they must rely on the teams above them to falter while they secure victories in their remaining fixtures, the recent narrative surrounding the club has undergone a significant transformation under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino.
The resurgence of CFC in the latter half of the season stands in stark contrast to their earlier struggles. Inconsistency plagued their performances in the opening fixtures, prompting doubts about their ability to mount a credible campaign for European qualification. However, a remarkable turnaround has seen Pochettino's men lose just three times in their last 18 league matches, a considerable improvement from their eight losses in the preceding 18 games.
Despite persisting defensive frailties, exemplified by defeats to two of the league's top three sides, including a resounding 5-0 loss to Arsenal in the London derby, Chelsea's offensive capabilities have been nothing short of a revelation.
Notably, their formidable home record at Stamford Bridge, where they've succumbed to just one defeat in their last 18 outings, serves as a testament to their resurgence. Moreover, their away form has been equally impressive, with only one loss in their last 13 league fixtures. Only the top three sides have gained more points in the last 13 games than the Blues (26)
It's worth highlighting that two of their three defeats came against the league's elite, underlining the challenging nature of their encounters against the top-tier opposition. Additionally, the statistic of netting an impressive 17 goals in their last four home games further underscores their offensive prowess and dominance in front of their home crowd.
A recent 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest showcased Chelsea's newfound resilience and quality, putting an end to a five-game winless streak away from home. Despite grappling with a debilitating injury crisis, arguably the worst in the league, Chelsea has displayed commendable character and organization in the crucial phase of the season.
However, amidst these positive developments, uncertainty looms over Pochettino's future at the club. Despite overseeing an improvement in league position and points tally compared to the previous campaign, rumors abound regarding his potential dismissal. The Argentine himself has provided ambiguous statements about his tenure, leaving Chelsea fans apprehensive about what the future holds.
🚨🔵 Pochettino: “In one week we will know if I will stay as Chelsea manager”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2024
“It’s not my decision because if the owners are thinking to change. For sure, in one week we will know”.
“It’s not affecting me. Is it affecting the people working with us? I think yes because, in… pic.twitter.com/NGJL5UBHkM
As the season draws to a close, the question of whether Pochettino will retain his position remains unanswered, adding an air of intrigue to Chelsea's off-season proceedings. Only time will tell if the club's hierarchy deems their progress sufficient to warrant continuity in management, with supporters eagerly awaiting clarity on the Argentine's future at the helm of Stamford Bridge.