How concerned should Chelsea be?
- Published
Chelsea are now worryingly without an away win in eight Premier League games, dating back to a thrilling 4-3 success at Tottenham on 8 December.
Although they were also unbeaten in eight matches at home before Thursday's defeat by Legia Warsaw, the performances have not been convincing enough to appease supporters who demand and expect better from their expensively assembled squad and raft of internationals.
Recent results, including a goalless draw at Brentford followed by a 2-2 home draw against relegation-threatened Ipswich, have also dropped them to sixth in the table, leaving them with a tough task of reaching the Champions League next season.
Newcastle have moved up to third spot after a run of good form, while fourth-placed Manchester City are a point clear of Chelsea and Aston Villa, who are seventh.
With six games to go, no team can afford to slip up, but Enzo Maresca remained upbeat: "We lost a game. The other clubs like Villa, Newcastle have more confidence around them but things in football can change quickly.
"Sunday [at Fulham], for us, is a final and can be a boost to reach our target."