Chelsea ended the 2025/26 Premier League campaign with another defeat after losing 2-1 to Sunderland.
It was their 14th of the season and saw them miss out on qualification for the Europa League. After finishing 10th, Stamford Bridge will not even see Conference League football next term.
Why did things go so wrong for the Blues? There are several factors, including the owners and sporting directors and how they have run the club.
However, Chelsea’s faltering attack cannot be overlooked, especially after a lot of investment went into it last summer.
After that awful performance against Sunderland, which players do Chelsea need to get rid of this summer? 😡
Chelsea player ratings vs Sunderland
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images
Liam Delap and Alejandro Garnacho managed just two Premier League goals between them
Liam Delap and Alejandro Garnacho were two attacking signings Chelsea made for the 2025/26 season, and there was a lot of excitement surrounding the former.
He had a good campaign at Ipswich Town and helped Chelsea win the Club World Cup in America.
Unfortunately, Delap was never able to quite build on some of his performances at the tournament. After making 27 appearances in the Premier League this term, the 23-year-old managed to score just one goal, which came in a 2-1 defeat to Fulham.
Garnacho was a less popular signing, and the Chelsea fans who did not want the former Manchester United man at Stamford Bridge will now feel that they were justified.
Like Delap, he also finished this Premier League campaign with just one goal after 24 outings.
Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring his side's seventh goal with team mate Liam Delap
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
While Delap did come on towards the end against Sunderland, Garnacho was an unused sub. The Argentina international has failed to nail down the spot on the left flank despite a lack of competition.
There is talk about Chelsea already replacing Garnacho, showing just how underwhelming he has been. At this stage, Garnacho may regret joining the Blues.
All in all, it has not worked out for either Garnacho or Delap. It would now be understandable if Xabi Alonso decides to be ruthless and get rid of both of them.
After that Sunderland display, though, they will not be the only ones in danger this summer.
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