Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender and current pundit, has delivered a blunt assessment of Chelsea’s top-five hopes following their recent defeat to Newcastle United. With Chelsea still clinging to fifth place, their 2-0 loss at St. James’ Park has thrown their Champions League ambitions into serious doubt.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher expressed doubt about Chelsea’s ability to secure a top-five finish despite predicting a victory over Manchester United in their upcoming clash. “Chelsea will beat Man United. It’s whether they can beat Nottingham Forest away. There will be a big atmosphere there,” Carragher warned.
He believes Forest, having secured European football, will be difficult opponents in the final match of the season, especially with their fans eager to celebrate a successful campaign. Carragher added, “Maybe even if they can’t get Champions League football, I think Nottingham Forest, last game of the season, the supporters will be desperate to say almost like a big thank you for the season that they’ve had.”
Carragher predicts both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest will ultimately miss out, giving the edge to Aston Villa in the race for Champions League qualification. “I actually think it’ll be Chelsea and Nottingham Forest who miss out and Aston Villa get in,” he stated.
Chelsea’s frustrations were compounded by the reckless sending-off of Nicolas Jackson, which severely hampered their chances against Newcastle. Jackson’s dismissal drew harsh criticism from former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy, who described the striker’s behavior as “idiotic.”
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was visibly furious with Jackson post-match, unable to even look at the player as he walked off the pitch. This incident could not have come at a worse time, with Chelsea needing back-to-back wins to secure their European spot.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest also stumbled, drawing 2-2 against already-relegated Leicester City. Their owner, Evangelos Marinakis, was seen storming the pitch to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo, highlighting the high tension within the club.
Carragher had been skeptical of Chelsea’s top-five credentials even before their defeat, previously stating, “I think Nottingham Forest will just do it. I think Chelsea will miss out; I think they’ve got the toughest fixtures.”
While Chelsea still control their fate due to superior goal difference, anything less than two wins in their remaining games could see them slip out of Europe’s elite competition.
