Chelsea has spent the majority of 2022 operating at a safe distance from Manchester City and Liverpool’s title battle, but comfortably inside the top four.

While some shaky late-season performances against a backdrop of off-field instability had Thomas Tuchel’s team nervous, it was ultimately for naught.

Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle puts them four points behind Chelsea with one game remaining, ensuring the Blues’ participation in next season’s Champions League. Even if Chelsea falters on the last day and gets passed by Tottenham, a fourth-place finish is virtually assured.

Last season’s European Champions have confirmed their participation in Europe’s elite club competition for next season.

Arsenal’s 2-0 loss against Newcastle has dropped them four points behind Chelsea, who have already clinched their spot in the Champions League for next season. Even if Chelsea loses ground to Tottenham on the last day, they will still finish fourth.

Last season’s European Champions have secured a spot in Europe’s premier club competition for the following season.

In a nutshell, it’s not fantastic. Tuchel’s side had only one win in their previous five Premier League games following their FA Cup semi-final victory against Crystal Palace.

Pulisic’s 90th-minute winner against West Ham was the sole win in this slump.

There was a tumultuous 4-2 London derby loss at home to Arsenal and a 1-0 defeat at the hands of a relegated Everton side.
In normal conditions, a 1-1 draw against Manchester United would be considered a success, but Ralf Rangnick’s team has supplied good pickings elsewhere, including a goal from Pulisic at West Ham.

Last Saturday, Chelsea lost a 2-0 lead at home against Wolves, drawing 2-2. There was also the FA Cup final, which ended in defeat when a 0-0 tie necessitated a penalty shootout, the Blues’ second penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool this season.