Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League season, meaning the Blues’ position in the table has now been confirmed
Chelsea’s defeat to Sunderland means the Blues will not be in any form of European competition next season, with a 10th-place finish confirmed on the final day of the campaign.
Trai Hume’s first-half volley put the Black Cats into a deserved lead with the Blues really disappointing in their final match of the campaign. Malo Gusto scored an own goal early into the second period to extend the home team’s lead and pile further misery on Chelsea.
Cole Palmer gave the Blues some hope in Sunderland with a goal not too long after the hosts doubled their advantage. However, Wesley Fofana’s red card soon after made the visitors’ task even more difficult.
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The defeat for the west Londoners mean they finish 10th in the Premier League table. Xabi Alonso will take over next season and will not be tasked with European football in his debut campaign. Some will take positives from it, but either way, it is extremely disappointing finish for a club that possesses the stature that Chelsea do.
Chelsea, who made two managerial changes during the season, finish with 14 defeats, 14 wins and 10 draws. Sunderland, Chelsea’s opponents on Sunday, in their first season back in the Premier League, have finished in the Europa League places.
Bournemouth will also be in the Europa League after finishing in sixth-place with a point at Nottingham Forest. Brighton will be in the Conference League despite being thrashed by Manchester United on the final day of the season.
