Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League football next season were dealt a major blow after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town on Wednesday.
The Blues had many chances and the lion’s share of possession but found themselves frustrated by David Wagner‘s men, who secured their Premier League status for another season with the draw.
Two things we learned:
Huddersfield Town retain their Premier League hopes
Huddersfield had a tough run of games to see the season out – Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal – and weren’t expected to pick up a single point from the fixtures.
Ahead of their meeting with Chelsea, Wagner’s men were tipped to fall short at Stamford Bridge but dug deep to secure the valuable point to stave off relegation.
They will hope to end the season on a high with a win against Arsenal as the Gunners have failed to pick up a point on the road in 2018.
Huddersfield’s home form hasn’t been too impressive of late – one win in their last four at the John Smith’s Stadium – so they will be in for a tough game against Arsenal.
Antonio Conte has an uncertain future at Chelsea
Antonio Conte won the Premier League title in his debut campaign at Chelsea but his second season hasn’t gone to plan and his chances of staying at Stamford Bridge appear slim.
Currently sitting fifth in the table and two points adrift of fourth-place with one game remaining, the Blues could miss out on Champions League football next season.
Chelsea need to win away to Newcastle and hope Liverpool lose to Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the season to leapfrog them at the death.
Conte has the FA Cup final to come against Manchester United to somewhat salvage Chelsea’s season, but it may not be enough to keep him at the club this summer.
Owner Roman Abramovich demands Champions League football from his managers so Conte might be walking the tightrope.