Chelsea were the subjects of a dissatisfying 1-0 loss to relegation-haunted Everton as Matchday 34 saw the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham climb closer to the third-placed team
A goal from Toffees’ Richarlison kept alive the hopes of the North London neighbours as both simultaneously conquered Westham and Leicester to ensure that the UCL remained on their tabs. For Everton, Richarlison’s effort was all it took to give Lampard’s men the three points they needed to remain optimistic in their quest to stay above deep waters.
Chelsea have not really been at their best this year. We all know Guardiola and Klopp are currently thriving but the Blues have this year suffered double the number of EPL defeats they did last year(4:2) Knocked out by Los Blancos in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Tuchel and co have not had things their way of recent. Whether it’s the 4-1 upset to Brentford or 2-4 fumbling to Arsenal, Stamford Bridge can really do better in the coming weeks especially considering the fact that they have two rivals on their tail.
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United can’t but definitely Tottenham and Arsenal can turn this around
For Ragnick’s side, this looks to be a done deal as Old Trafford are almost definitely going to Europa next season (logically, but not yet arithmetically). With 55 points, a game more than the top five and bearing in mind United’s currently unpredictable form, it’s about 95 percent close to correct to say that Erik Ten Hag would be slugging it out on Thursday nights after the summer break.
For Arsenal, The Gunners look to be in form and have nullified a three game losing streak with a three game winning one. Successes against Chelsea, United and Westham have proved pivotal in furthering Arsenal’s ambitions to book a spot in next season’s edition of the UCL, a competition they last featured in 2016-17. Tottenham however, have a more recent history with Europe’s elite stage, last playing UCL in 2020( a 4-0 last 16 exit to Leipzig).
Both teams would really want to be out there in Europe’s most prestigious tournament. That of course has to happen at the expense of one of all three London clubs. Arsenal have a safer bet owing to the fact that they are a minature-win(three points) behind The Blues. Spurs can also make it to their dream pitch if they outstrip Arterta’s men, who are two points ahead, on 63. To unsettle Chelsea however, The Lilywhites would have to overcome a 5-point deficit at the summit. Difficult but not impossible.
What this means for Everton
Less than average-form Everton have done well in securing all three points against an obviously better side. It looks as though Lampard and co have a really good chance in escaping the June-bound demotion as they are situated just two points behind Leeds with a game in hand. Leicester, Watford, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Arsenal are the five remaining fixtures for the Toffees which is relatively easy when put side by side with Leeds(Arsenal, Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford).
If Everton are really serious with the remainder of the season, they should definitely be able to jump The Peacocks and ultimately elude relegation. It’s certainly up to them to turn things around.