Ray Parlour has issued a warning to Chelsea about keeping hold of their place in the Premier League’s prime seats.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Parlour reminded the Blues that Champions League action next season is still not guaranteed with a few massive games of the current campaign left to play.
Who could finish in the European spots?
Thomas Tuchel’s men took a step backwards in their attempts to seal automatic European qualification by losing to Brentford on Saturday.
Thomas Frank’s side scored four at Stamford Bridge to seal their first victory against Chelsea since 1939.
This result adds extra excitement in the race for the top four, but more nerves if you’re of a blue persuasion.
Tottenham Hotspur putting five past Newcastle United yesterday means the gap between third, fourth and fifth is just five points.
Arsenal play Crystal Palace tonight, hoping to leapfrog their North London rival and get even closer to their other capital city adversary.
West Ham United are still in the reckoning after they defeated Frank Lampard’s Everton 2-1 on Sunday.
Chelsea are walking a tightrope
Whilst the teams below them collected victories, Chelsea will be apprehensively looking over their shoulder following that big sting by the Bees.
“I didn’t see it coming,” admitted Parlour in the aftermath of Brentford’s shock triumph.
“It does happen. They (Chelsea) are good at bouncing straight back. They have to now, they’ve got a massive Champions League coming up.
“So, it is a blip and hopefully Tuchel will look at it like that and say ‘look, that’s gone now, let’s concentrate going forward.’”
But while the former Gunner backed the Blues to respond instantly, he insisted Mikel Arteta’s men could overtake them if they are not vigilant.
“Chelsea have got to be careful. Arsenal have got to go and play Chelsea yet at Stamford Bridge,” he continued.
“If they can somehow get a result at Chelsea, which we saw Brentford get a result at the weekend, third place might be up for grabs, for Spurs or Arsenal.”
Arsenal make the short journey to the Bridge in just over two weeks’ time.
Three days before, Chelsea face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final.
Could a trip to Wembley affect the club’s chase for Champions League football?
We are hoping not, but just look what an international ‘break’ can do to proceedings…
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