After Chelsea’s mixed start to the 2025-26 season, Jason Cundy has made an intriguing statement about where they could end up finishing in the Premier League.
The Blues entered the new campaign with plenty of momentum because they won both the Club World Cup and Conference League last term. In addition, they finished fourth in the Premier League to seal a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence.
It’s been reported that Enzo Maresca’s feeling on the current Chelsea squad is they are not ready to compete in both the Premier League and Champions League.
At the moment, they can reflect on a mixed set of results in the league. The highlight, of course, came with the dramatic 2-1 home win against reigning champions Liverpool just before October’s international break.
Even though Chelsea’s pre-season target was another top-four finish, ambitious supporters are right to want a bit more from the talented young group.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca coaching in a training session at Cobham.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jason Cundy predicts where Chelsea can finish in the Premier League
According to Jason Cundy, Chelsea must finish in the top four as a bare minimum. He actually believes Maresca’s side could land second or third position, but he recognises London rivals Arsenal as the title favourites.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s The Sports Bar (14 October), Cundy said: “I mean top four is an absolute must. That’s an absolute must. I still think we (Chelsea) can finish second or third. I think we are good enough… Arsenal are probably the best side this season. Arsenal are efficient, defensively brilliant… We’ve (Chelsea) scored the second most amount of goals, but we conceded too many. That’s why I think Arsenal win the title.”
The prediction from Opta’s Supercomputer before a ball was kicked this season was that Chelsea would finish fourth in the 2025-26 Premier League. Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City were more fancied in pre-season.
Although we’re confident that the Blues can compete with anyone on their day, the main problem they need to solve is around consistency.
Chelsea players celebrate after beating Liverpool in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
How Chelsea have done in the Premier League under current ownership
The Chelsea owners purchased the club in 2022, so they’ve already overseen three full seasons at Stamford Bridge.
It is fair to comment that there is still room for improvement with the league form.
Season Points Position
2024-25 69 4th
2023-24 64 6th
2022-23 44 12th
Chelsea’s Premier League record in the previous three seasons
The positive news is that there is an upward trajectory from the Blues in the league, but can Maresca drive them to kick on to another level? It is worth remembering that they have not won England’s top division since the 2016-17 campaign when Antonio Conte was in the manager’s dugout.