Sarri’s stubborness threatens Chelsea’s hopes of top-four finish
With the Blues languishing in sixth spot, the collapse at Everton brings the Italian's tactics into question again
London — Chelsea’s latest Premier League collapse at Everton leaves Maurizio Sarri’s side facing an uphill task to finish in the top four and secure Champions League qualification. Languishing in sixth, the Blues trail fourth-placed Arsenal by just three points but face a much tougher run-in than the Gunners in the remaining eight games of the Premier League season. A run of four defeats in their past five league games away from Stamford Bridge also gives little reason for hope ahead of upcoming visits to title-chasing Liverpool and Manchester United, who also lead Chelsea by a point in fifth. A kind Europa League draw, with Slavia Prague to come in the quarterfinals before a potential last-four clash with Eintracht Frankfurt or Benfica, may now provide the easiest route to next season’s Champions League, with a place in the group stage on offer for the winners of that competition. But to emerge victorious in Baku on May 29 or stand a chance of a top-four revival, Sarri must iron ou...
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