Chelsea were easily beaten by Manchester City on Sunday, a third straight defeat in the Premier League and yet, Eidur Gudjohnsen claims it is something Chelsea fans wanted.
With four points now separating Chelsea and fifth-placed Liverpool, any hope of a place in next season’s Champions League is now over. The Blues are miles behind where they should be in the race for fifth.
Points were set on fire against Leeds and Burnley, and for the first time since 1998, Chelsea have lost three consecutive Premier League games without scoring. City completely outclassed Chelsea on Sunday.
DAVID ORNSTEIN: Liam Rosenior will remain Chelsea coach next season, whether they make the Champions League or not 😬
Thoughts?
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Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
But given the way the Premier League title race is shaping up, a win for Man City closed the gap between Pep Guardiola’s side and Chelsea’s rivals Arsenal. Eidur Gudjohnsen was in attendance during the defeat.
Eidur Gudjohnsen shares what Chelsea fans kept telling him
Chelsea gave a good account of themselves in the first half and were inches away from taking the lead, only for Marc Cucurella’s goal to be ruled out. Gudjohnsen went on a rant after the full-time whistle.
Chelsea players celebrate goal against West Brom
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
This week, the former Chelsea striker also appeared on Joe Cole’s The Dressing Room Podcast, in which he shared what Chelsea fans were telling him at Stamford Bridge. He said fans wanted Chelsea to lose.
“I want Chelsea to be in the Champions League, but I don’t want Arsenal to win the league. I’d go as far as near 100% of the Chelsea fans would go, ‘I’d sacrifice today just so Arsenal don’t win it. It’s strange.’”
Chelsea lost, but Champions League is almost out of the picture
Chelsea fans might have wanted their side to lose, to allow City to close the gap on Arsenal. But what it now means for Chelsea is that they are four points adrift of the top five, with Manchester United up next.
If, and it is a big if, Chelsea can beat United, then they will still be behind Liverpool, who go to Everton this weekend. One benefit Chelsea do have from this weekend’s games is that Liverpool play on Sunday.
Manchester United showed their vulnerabilities on Monday night against Leeds United, and if there is no reaction, Chelsea will secure three points. Rosenior’s entire stint as Chelsea manager hinges on Saturday.
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