Champions League contenders Chelsea risk disappointment if they falter against Nottingham Forest
Chelsea's Champions League Qualification Tops Off a Successful Season, According to Keown
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has voiced his belief that Chelsea need to secure Champions League qualification to deem their season a success, with Conference League glory serving as a secondary achievement. The west London outfit has been absent from the Champions League since the 2022/23 season, and they currently find themselves in a prime position to return to Europe's elite competition as they sit in fifth spot with just one Premier League fixture remaining.
Their upcoming clash is away at Nottingham Forest, who trail Chelsea by a single point in seventh place. With an incredible three-point gap separating Manchester City in third from Forest, the stakes are undoubtedly high as only the top five can claim a spot in the Champions League.
Chelsea may have a decisive edge in their quest for a top-five finish. In their last eight league matches, Enzo Maresca's men have secured victories in five games, including notable wins against champions Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United. Furthermore, Chelsea can still end the season with silverware, facing Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on May 28.
Despite the potential for Conference League glory, Keown remains adamant that Champions League qualification is the key to a successful season for Chelsea. The three-time Premier League winner emphasizes that Chelsea have consistently been successful during this century and have accumulated an impressive 21 trophies in just 19 years under Roman Abromovich's ownership.
He believes that the club is built to compete in Europe's premier competition and that missing out on the Champions League would be a major disappointment. Keown also acknowledges the young talent developing within the squad, but insists that they need to face top European opponents to truly test their abilities.
In an interview with talkSPORT.com, Keown dismissed the idea of a positive season if Chelsea triumphed in the Conference League but missed out on a top-five spot. He firmly maintains that Chelsea are a Champions League club, with a squad geared up for the challenge.
After sustaining a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, which raised the Magpies' Champions League aspirations, Chelsea will be keen to make amends in their final fixtures. The match against Nottingham Forest could very well determine the fate of both teams' European ambitions.
One concern for Chelsea is the absence of striker Nicolas Jackson, who received a straight red card for an elbow on Sven Botman in the defeat at St James' Park. Keown argues that Jackson's absence will be a significant blow for the club, as his talents in the forward line allow Cole Palmer greater freedom on the pitch. The upcoming showdown against Forest could provide an essential opportunity for Chelsea to secure their Champions League future and realize their ambitions for the season.
- Martin Keown, an Arsenal legend, asserts that for Chelsea to deem their season a success, they must secure Champions League qualification, considering the Conference League title as a secondary achievement.
- The west London club, currently in fifth spot with one Premier League fixture remaining, is in a prime position to return to Europe's elite competition, as only the top five teams can secure a spot in the Champions League.
- Despite the potential for Conference League glory, Keown remains adamant that Champions League qualification is crucial for a successful season for Chelsea, given their consistent success this century and impressive 21 trophies accrued in just 19 years under Roman Abromovich's ownership.
- Keown dismisses the idea of a positive season if Chelsea triumph in the Conference League but miss out on a top-five spot, maintaining that Chelsea are a Champions League club, with a squad designed to face top European opponents.
- Chelsea's upcoming match against Nottingham Forest could determine the fate of both teams' European ambitions, with a significant blow to the club in the absence of striker Nicolas Jackson, who was sent off in the defeat at Newcastle.
