timeEd32

You obviously didn't read the replies

I can't believe it's only Thursday. It feels like we played Villa weeks ago.

No question my comment could look idiotic in a year. With the right manager and a couple changes it wouldn't be that shocking to see them near the top of the table. But I do think they are in a precarious position.

I really think Chelsea are on the verge of falling back to what they used to be. Next season is absolutely critical for them. A couple years out of the CL could do a number on their financial status and the perception of them as one of England and Europe's elites. It's entirely possible the Abramovich Era section on their Wikipedia page stands out decades from now as the golden years of the club. Hopefully 2023-2043 only merits a couple paragraphs, the same as 1983-2003. (I'm partially writing this to will it into existence)

It's so hard not to. Really need another game to come.

When you look at the remaining fixtures for everyone it really is pointless at this stage speculating what everyone is going to do. It really is in our hands and we have a margin for error that most don't have. After next week's midweek games I think it will be clearer who is still in it and who we're actually rooting for in the remaining fixtures. The best outcome for us is that we take 7-9 points in the next three and Man United turn into draw merchants against Spurs, Villa, and Brighton, but Man United winning all of them and likely cementing third wouldn't be a bad outcome either.

A lot of my anxiety around finishing 4th is related to Bruno. I think if we aren't in the CL by 2024 he's gone and it may even be hard to hold onto him this summer if we don't make it. If we do I'm very confident he'll stay AND we'll be able to attract better players that could help us cement our place. It's being greedy considering where we were 18 months ago, but the difference between 4th and 5th this season could alter the trajectory of the club for the next few years. On the other hand I know our owners and leadership team are committed to building things the right way. I'm confident we're heading up even though it won't always be a straight line. But we're staring at a massive opportunity.

The spell right before their second goal was probably the best we played the whole game and we created a couple chances, so not sure I can agree with that.

I think we likely just played the wrong team at the wrong time. I'd 100% call it a blip, however, I have two concerns: 1) I think we have some tired legs out there 2) We were not very good for large stretches of the West Ham and Brentford games. Seems crazy since we won 7-2 on aggregate but you could say there were signs heading into Villa.

Crazy that everyone seems to agree that Spurs have had a bad season and yet if they hadn't conceded three stoppage time goals in the last month we'd be two points behind them.

A Spurs fan I know says he doesn't even want them to beat us. Thinks backing into a CL spot will just delay the reckoning that is coming. Hates watching them. (I think he's full of shit and is just mentally guarding against potential defeat)

Not sure how anyone can say they are dreading this. We aren’t at risk of disappearing into the depths of the football league if we lose. We are playing one of the top sides in the league at home with a chance to put us in pole position for a Champions League place. It’s one of the biggest games in the last two decades. This is the type of game Ashley robbed from us. Nervous sure, but I can’t fucking wait.

It really isn’t unless you expected us to win every game left. Most of the pessimism in here is based on everyone thinking the teams around and behind us are going to win every game. All of these teams are going to drop points. We need to beat Spurs next week though to maintain any sort of comfort. Biggest game of the season.

Before people say Villa are now in the top 4 race look at the table and their fixtures. It’s actually good for us if they keep playing well. They may take points off Spurs or Man United. If they overtake us though we’ve collapsed entirely.

Villa are not finishing top 4 and if they get close it will actually help us.

I’d take Bruno off now. He needs a rest and don’t need him doing anything stupid.

The disallowed goal has really woken them up.

McGinn literally holding his arm there.

Bruno is very clearly not 100% here.

I know it seems like catastrophe, but we bought ourselves a freebie here with our recent form. Unfortunately for the first 45 minutes we seem intent on using it.

Buendia is a little shit.

Buendia is going to try to get Bruno sent off. And nothing would hurt our top 4 chances more.

Yup, he’s been late 2-3 times trying to intercept a pass and it’s led to to attacks for them.

There aren't many worse situations for a young player than Chelsea this season. Dysfunction, three managers, and tons of talent to compete with for regular playing time.

It would be hugely disappointing at this point to finish 5th behind Man United and Spurs. But honestly if we miss out on the CL because of Liverpool it will ruin the entire season for me.