"We would rather not be in your assessment, but we are, and it is our responsibility, and that's why we need another reaction," said Thomas Tuchel ahead of his side's match with Wolves. Giving up a two-goal lead at Stamford Bridge is probably not what he had in mind.
However, it reinforced the point that the Blues, for now, are in a battle to secure their place in next season's Champions League and also that it is a situation of their own making. Chelsea have only defeated Southampton and West Ham in the Premier League since returning from the international break and have recorded defeats to Brentford, Everton and Arsenal. It has not been a convincing end to the season thus far.
Nevertheless, the west London side remains in third position, albeit with local rivals Arsenal and Tottenham on their tails. The Gunners capitalised with a victory over Leeds United, while Spurs managed to record a draw against Liverpool. A relief for Chelsea after Son Heung-min had put Antonio Conte's men ahead.
READ MORE: Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel handed Jorginho injury boost ahead of Leeds United clash
Chelsea may be lacking momentum, but the predicament remains in their own hands when they head to Leeds United on Wednesday before the North London Derby takes place the following day. After those two matches, the Premier League's top four could be all sewn up, or about to get really interesting.
With three matches remaining for each team, Chelsea currently sits on 67 points, Arsenal 66 and Spurs 62. Much closer than anyone expected just one month ago. With the battle showing the potential to hot up, football.london takes a look at the midweek games that will impact what is left to do for Tuchel and co. The Blues will be thankful for their goal difference.
If Chelsea win and Tottenham win
3) Chelsea 70
4) Arsenal 66
5) Tottenham 65
With two games remaining, Chelsea would still need two points to guarantee Champions League football. One point will likely be enough given the Blues current goal difference advantage of 19 over Spurs.
If Chelsea win and Arsenal win
3) Chelsea 70
4) Arsenal 69
5) Tottenham 62
Chelsea secure Champions League football.
If Chelsea win and North London Derby ends in a draw
3) Chelsea 70
4) Arsenal 67
5) Tottenham 63
Chelsea secure Champions League football.
If Chelsea draw and Tottenham win
3) Chelsea 68
4) Arsenal 66
5) Tottenham 65
With two games remaining, Chelsea would still need four points to guarantee Champions League football. Three points will likely be enough given the Blues current goal difference advantage over Spurs.
If Chelsea draw and Arsenal win
3) Arsenal 69
4) Chelsea 68
5) Tottenham 62
With two games remaining, Chelsea would still need one point to guarantee Champions League football. The goal difference advantage of 19 that the Blues hold ahead of the fixture would mean the Blues will require no points.
If Chelsea draw and North London Derby ends in a draw
3) Chelsea 68
4) Arsenal 67
5) Tottenham 63
With two games remaining, Chelsea would still need two points to guarantee Champions League football. One point should be enough due to the Blues' superior goal difference over Spurs.
If Chelsea lose and Tottenham win
3) Chelsea 67
4) Arsenal 66
5) Tottenham 65
With two games remaining, Chelsea would still need five points to guarantee Champions League football. Four points may be enough due to the Blues' superior goal difference over Spurs, providing Tottenham doesn't pull off overwhelmingly large scorelines.
If Chelsea lose and Arsenal win
3) Arsenal 69
4) Chelsea 67
5) Tottenham 62
With two games remaining, Chelsea would still need two points to guarantee Champions League football. One point should be enough due to the Blues' superior goal difference over Spurs, providing the outrageous scorelines required aren't met.
If Chelsea lose and North London Derby ends in a draw
3) Chelsea 67
4) Arsenal 67
5) Tottenham 63
With two games remaining, Chelsea would still need three points to guarantee Champions League football. Two points will be enough due to the Blues' superior goal difference over Spurs, notwithstanding remarkable results.
