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Posted on February 11, 2026 11:00 pm | Updated on February 11, 2026 9:12 pm
The next few Premier League games for Chelsea are going to be very crucial. This comes as the Champions League race has suddenly become the biggest talking point around Stamford Bridge. After a frustrating 2-2 draw with Leeds United, the Blues remain in the top five, but the pressure is building fast. The rivals are closing in and tough fixtures are approaching. Now, every point now feels massive in the fight to secure a UCL return next season.
Leeds Draw Raises Fresh Concerns At Chelsea
Chelsea looked in complete control on Tuesday night against Leeds United before it all slipped away. Leading 2-0 against the visitors, the Blues seemed ready to collect three vital points. Joao Pedro struck in the 24th minute to give Liam Rosenior’s side the lead. Cole Palmer calmly converted a penalty just before the hour mark.
But, football rarely sticks to the script. Leeds refused to fold and started to make things happen. Lukas Nmecha reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, and within minutes Noah Okafor got home an equaliser. In six chaotic minutes, Chelsea’s advantage vanished. The atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge turned tense, and the dropped points felt heavy.
Drama at Stamford Bridge that has to be seen to be believed 😲@LUFC fight back in a four-goal thriller👇
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 11, 2026
Palmer had the chance to rescue the win late on but failed to take it. That miss could prove costly in a race for top four finish in the Premier League for UCL spots. Despite the setback, Chelsea remain fifth after Manchester United drew 1-1 at West Ham. The Premier League’s strong UEFA standings means a top five finish should be enough for Champions League qualification. However, nothing is secure as of yet.
The west London club sit five points clear of Liverpool and Brentford at the moment. Although, both clubs still have games in hand. That said, Chelsea cannot afford another slip.
Burnley First, But Arsenal And Villa Await
The next five fixtures present both opportunity and danger. Up first is Burnley, a match Chelsea simply have to win. On paper, it is the kind of game that should deliver three points. However, at this stage of the season, there is no room for taking things for granted.
Then comes the real test. Trips to Arsenal and Aston Villa in early March will test this squad physically and mentally. The Gunners remain one of the strongest sides in the league, especially at home. Villa have turned their ground into a fortress. In addition, they are a direct competitor in the European race as well.
Chelsea must show maturity during times like this. The Leeds draw exposed defensive lapses and a lack of control under pressure. Against top opponents, those mistakes will be punished harder. The midfield needs to manage games better, and the defence must stay switched on for the full ninety minutes.
The race is tight, and the margins are thin. A positive run here could cement their top five finish. A poor run could likely drag them into chaos.
Newcastle And Everton Could Decide It All
After the early March fixtures, Chelsea return home to face Newcastle United. That clash could be tough and exciting. The Magpies are unpredictable but dangerous, capable of hurting any side on their day. Stamford Bridge will need to be loud and united.
Finally, the Blues travel to Everton in mid March. Away games late in the season are never easy. Everton’s intensity and physical style often make life uncomfortable for top sides. That said, Chelsea must match that fight.
These five matches will shape the final stretch of the campaign. Win three or four of them, and Chelsea can take firm control of their PL standings. If they drop more points, and the pressure will intensify quickly.
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