Chelsea are destined to finish outside of the top four, believes Jermaine Jenas
That’s according to Jermaine Jenas.
The Blues are 10 points off fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League table after slipping up at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Javier Hernandez’s second-half effort cancelling out Cesar Azpilicueta’s strike.
Only four top-flight clubs have taken less points than Chelsea since the turn of the year - Antonio Conte’s side winning just three of 11 matches.
They have lost five games since January 31 alone, the same amount of defeats they suffered across 38 matches last season on their way to the league title.
And for the second time in three seasons, Chelsea will fail to secure Champions League football, believes Jenas.
Chelsea were left hugely disappointed after failing to beat the Hammers
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Antonio Conte's Chelsea future is in doubt
What are they, 10 points or so off Spurs now? It’s not what a club of Chelsea’s size set their standards on. It’s been a tough season for them.
The former Spurs midfielder, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day 2, said: “Chelsea are a club that are either mounting a challenge in Europe or they're challenging in the Premier League.
“They’re staring the Europa League right in the face.
“What are they, 10 points or so off Spurs now?
“It’s not what a club of Chelsea’s size set their standards on. It’s been a tough season for them.”
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David Moyes hails Joe Hart after draw against Chelsea
Goalscorer Azpilicueta claimed post-match that even if Chelsea were to win the FA Cup - where they face Southampton in the semi-finals this Sunday - their season would not salvaged.
Former Premier League defender Matthew Upson added: “It’s a big comment, isn’t it? In some ways I like it.
“He’s very proud of the football club, he knows the ambition that Chelsea have.
“To make that comment just shows how disappointed and where they are with it.”