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Analysis: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelseapublished at 18:48 25 May
18:48 25 May
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea celebrated at the City Ground, the substitutes' bench bursting on to the pitch at the final whistle.
Levi Colwill's tap-in settled a game that failed to live up to its pre-match billing as the two teams slugged it out for the ultimate prize of a Champions League spot.
Chelsea feel they belong there, and Enzo Maresca got them over the line in what could be a triumphant few days before Wednesday's Conference League final.
The average age of Chelsea's starting line-up in the Premier League this season is 24 years and 36 days - the youngest ever.
After several false dawns, given this qualification for the Champions League and a potential European trophy, the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge can start to rightly claim their project is finally coming to life.
How the race for Europe finished uppublished at 18:30 25 May
18:30 25 May
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It went right down to the final day but the European places for next season are now finally confirmed.
Manchester City and Chelsea's wins saw them secure third and fourth respectively, while Newcastle took the fifth and final Champions League spot despite a final day loss to Everton.
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest's defeats mean they miss out on the top five but will be heading on European adventures in the Europa and Conference Leagues respectively.
Chelsea's win means there will not be an additional spot for eighth place so Brighton's victory at Tottenham does not creep them into Europe.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea - send us your thoughtspublished at 18:06 25 May
18:06 25 May
The curtain has come down on Chelsea's Premier League season with a win against Nottingham Forest that sees them finish fourth and secure a Champions League spot.
In a rollercoaster league campaign that saw them the closest challengers to Liverpool at one point before a slump in form left them fighting for a top five place, it finishes on high for Enzo Maresca's side.
So how are you feeling after the game and at the end of a long campaign?
Nottingham is glorious in the sunshine and this city is one that claims to be the pub capital of the UK.
It is said the West Bridgeford area, home to the City Ground on the River Trent, has nine pubs per square mile and it feels like everyone is out nice and early to soak in the atmosphere.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has delivered the same message to fans in his programme notes as his press conference: "Enjoy the game and bring then noise."
My train came in stupidly early today so I have been walking around. There there is a bit of a party atmosphere bubbling up even several hours before kick-off.
Sutton's predictions: Nottingham Forest v Chelseapublished at 13:05 25 May
13:05 25 May
What a game this is, and it is a must-watch if you're a neutral too.
Nothing against my old club Chelsea, but I would love to go with my heart and say Nottingham Forest will beat them and finish in the top five - it is just I don't think either of those things will happen.
The City Ground will be absolutely jumping, of course, but it was the same for Forest's past three home league games, against Leicester, Brentford and Everton, and they only have one point to show for them - from their draw with the Foxes.
Chelsea are probably going to need a win too, to finish above Aston Villa and stay in the top five, but I can see this ending in the result neither team wants, which is a draw.
That was the result when they met at Stamford Bridge in October, in a game that saw a thrilling finish with chances at both ends. I am expecting more of the same here, with both sides ending up disappointed.
Here are some of your comments on your selection, as well as some other names thrown into the ring:
Sharon: Cucurella has been the outstanding Chelsea player this season. He has defended and chased down opponents. He has scored goals when no-one else has stepped up. He has been the most integral player.
Garfield: Palmer started the season where he left off in 2023-24. However, his form has dipped since the new year. The most consistent players have been Caicedo and Cucurella (who has been a revelation). Other nods of appreciation go to Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill for consistency in front of a very nervy and inconsistent goalkeeper! Very little progress since last year though.
John: Of the many reasons I selected Caicedo as Chelsea's player of the season, I'll highlight his work ethic. Moises is always available, always giving his all. He exemplifies the ideal of the quiet professional and I'm so happy he found his way to Chelsea.
Justice: Everyone knows how well Caicedo has done all season but I decided to go with Cucurella because of some decisive goals he's scored. Like Caicedo, Cucurella has been outstanding all season and when you consider all his struggles to settle in and the stick he got from fans and the media since he joined from Brighton, he really deserves to be recognised for how well he's played.
ChelseaP: Caicedo - by a considerable distance. An absolute monster in midfield. Probably the best in the league this year. £115m - and cheap for it!
Steve: I chose Cucu because he's scored vital goals during the season, always gives 100%, winds the opposition fans up and is a great guy. Hope he stays at our wonderful club for a long time.
George: Caicedo has truly delivered what's on the tin. He's a defensive midfielder who can also charge forward into the opponents' box when the opportunity arises. When he does, he has a good understanding with Fernandez who steps in. He has improved considerably over the past 18 months. Stepping to the right-back/wing-back position when the manager requires it is not his forte and he should resist. He is needed in midfield!
Deri: This season, Caicedo has played in such a way as to remind me of N'Golo Kante. It's taken him a while to find his feet and role in this team but he'll only improve, especially when he adds goals to his CV.
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea: Did you know?published at 11:13 24 May
11:13 24 May
Image source, Getty Images
Even if they lose this match, Nottingham Forest are guaranteed their highest Premier League finish since 1994-95 (third). Should results go their way on the final day, they could potentially reach the European Cup for the first time since the 1980-81 campaign, when they did so as reigning European champions.
However, Forest have won just one of their past seven Premier League games against Chelsea, beating them 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in September 2023.
The Blues won this fixture 3-2 last season. Only once have they won consecutive away league games against Forest.
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea: Fans' Q&Apublished at 20:01 23 May
20:01 23 May
Image source, Getty Images
Depending on results elsewhere, Nottingham Forest's match with Chelsea could prove to be winner takes all in the race for Champions League qualification.
The Blues know that a win will guarantee them a spot in the top five, while Forest will have to take all three points and hope for a favour from Aston Villa's game at Old Trafford or Newcastle's at St James' Park.
While the two sides go head to head on the pitch, we asked our fan writers for each club to go head to head off it.
Each fan got to ask three questions to each other before the big game...
Forest 'style of play suits against a team like Chelsea'published at 20:01 23 May
20:01 23 May
Saveena Johal Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Here is what our Nottingham Forest fan Saveena Johal had to say on questions set by our Chelsea supporter Ross Mooring.
Are you confident you can win on Sunday?
I am. The atmosphere will be cracking for the final home game, and we are going into the game off the back of a pivotal, and long-awaited win at West Ham.
Our style of play suits us against a team like Chelsea, so I'm hoping for ample opportunity for us to sit back and hit them on the break.
With the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ola Aina back from injury, the team will be up for it - this is a game that we can really go for and ultimately qualify for Europe, be that Champions League or Europa League.
Who is the player most likely to unlock Chelsea's defence?
Morgan Gibbs-White has been great at breaking down defensive lines. As a talented all-round player, he has the ability to drift through the opposition and heavily influence games.
He has performed well recently, with goals and assists in our past two matches. He has ounces of creativity both in and out of possession, smart tactical play and gets stuck into the deeper areas.
If Gibbs-White is at his peak on Sunday, there is no doubt the team as a whole will play well.
Which area of the Forest team could the Blues exploit, if any?
Ibrahim Sangare sometimes lets players drift past him in midfield, and he is lacking the fitness to get back. As he has not had regular game time, we have not been able to see his potential. He could therefore be a weak-link if he does play on Sunday.
Aside from that, we have conceded in the past three home games due to defensive errors. Matz Sels has been phenomenal, however, and with him I'm optimistic that he will help to boost the confidence in our back-line for the final game.
Caicedo will 'lead the charge' against Forestpublished at 20:00 23 May
20:00 23 May
Ross Mooring Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Here is what our Chelsea fan Ross Mooring had to say on questions put by our Nottingham Forest supporter Saveena Johal.
Given the recent trajectory of Chelsea, how confident are you that you can secure a Champions League spot on Sunday?
Even with the uptick in results over the past couple of months, performances have not reached the heights of the form in 2024 and, without a recognised striker available on Sunday, it is going to be even harder for the Blues.
It feels as if Forest possess more self-confidence as a unit, while Chelsea are probably going to need a bit of magic from Cole Palmer or a wildcard like Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, or even Tyrique George.
Colour me more hopeful than confident, but anything can happen in what is sure to resemble a cup final at the City Ground.
Which Blues player has impressed you the most this season?
Moises Caicedo - a devastating mixture of N'Golo Kante and Michael Essien - has had a dominant season from start to finish and deservedly won both the fans' and players' player of the season awards.
Cole Palmer's dip in form has been somewhat overstated as, even in his own dry spell, he has continued to churn out chances, of which team-mates have not taken advantage.
The trio in the first answer have all enjoyed strong ends to the campaign too, but if the Blues are going to keep Forest out and attack at pace, Caicedo will be the one leading the charge.
How would you rate your season, as 10 games in you were considered title contenders?
At the moment, six out of 10 seems right. A win on Sunday and in the Conference League final would probably push it to a seven, while the less said about two potential defeats the better.
Sustaining a title challenge was probably not a realistic target, but the messaging at the time from Enzo Maresca did the team no favours.
There have been a lot of missed opportunities throughout the campaign, including two dismal domestic cup defeats away from home. Many players have also struggled to perform in Maresca's system, resulting in just as many bad performances as bad results.
Chalobah 'deserves' England chance - Tuchelpublished at 11:32 23 May
11:32 23 May
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
England manager Thomas Tuchel is the most important figure in Trevoh Chalobah's career.
In summer 2021, the defender was uncertain about his future after his third loan spell away from Chelsea. He was weighing up a fourth with Valencia or Club Brugge his two options on the table.
However, impressive performances in training sessions convinced Tuchel that he could make an impact at Stamford Bridge and after a shock start in the Super Cup against Villarreal, Chalobah became a key player for the German.
His career at Stamford Bridge has been less secure since Tuchel left the club in 2022 but he has proven himself resilient and remained despite some efforts to sell him in multiple transfer windows.
Interestingly, Tuchel also tried to bring Chalobah on loan to Bayern Munich in 2023.
In his news conference after announcing the squad, Tuchel stressed that Chalobah "deserves" his call-up, despite a place being opened up due to an injury to Marc Guehi.
"Marc was normally meant to be with us of course," he said. "He is the captain of Crystal Palace and they had a huge win in the FA Cup.
"He is a big part of the success story. He got injured in the final and it is a facial injury and the specialist told us not to take the risk.
"On Trevoh, he deserves it. Easy as that. He has played a fantastic second half of the season with Chelsea. He has been very consistent at a very high level."
Tuchel names England squad for World Cup qualifier and friendlypublished at 10:19 23 May
10:19 23 May
England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his squad for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra (7 June) and friendly against Senegal (10 June).
Manchester City's Phil Foden, Newcastle's Tino Livramento and West Ham's Jarrod Bowen all miss out, but Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea duo Noni Madueke and Trevoh Chalobah have been selected.
Maresca on James, Fernandez and being one win from Champions Leaguepublished at 09:53 23 May
09:53 23 May
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (16:00 BST).
The Blues require a win to guarantee a place in next season's Champions League.
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Maresca confirmed Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu will both be available and are options to play as striker in the absence of the suspended Nicolas Jackson.
He provided an update on Reece James, who played 90 minutes against Manchester United last week: "He is OK. He has his own programme. We said already that we try to protect him, so we are managing him."
On needing a win to secure Champions League qualification: "We are quite lucky. If we win, we do our job, we don't need to pay attention to other results. If we are not winning, we have to pay attention. We have the privilege that it depends on us. [The players] know - they are aware that it's an important game. The most important one."
How is the team coping with the pressure? "When you join Chelsea you feel the pressure from day one. You don't need this game to feel pressure. It's a club where you need to win games. We won many games this season - but we probably need one more, the most important one."
Maresca played down recent reports Real Madrid are interested in a move for Enzo Fernandez: "Enzo is very important for us. He is one of our captains, he is one of the leaders. This season has been very good and he can be even better next season, starting from the first day. Nothing to say about speculation. He is focused on us. Yes [he is staying]."
He expressed his frustration at the scheduling, with the Blues playing the Conference League final in Poland on Wednesday: "No-one cares about player welfare. If they are tired, they won't play. We will manage that. It's not normal the amount of games they play. It's not normal or correct. [People say] 'they earn lots of money'. It's about health and protecting players."
He hinted he may rotate before the final: "Now the focus is on Sunday's game. The next one is the most important one and then after that we can focus on Wednesday's game. I said this the other day, we don't have enough time to recover the energy so, for sure, we need to rotate and change things. We need to make some changes."
How will top five race finish? Fans' predictionpublished at 18:27 22 May
18:27 22 May
The final day of the 2024-25 Premier League is edging closer, which means we will soon know the answer to who will make up the remaining Champions League spots.
Five teams are in contention for the final three positions and earlier on Thursday, we asked you to put in order where you thought those clubs would finish.
The results showed Chelsea and Nottingham Forest - who face each other at the City Ground - are who you believe will be the sides to miss out.
However it pans out, it is set to be an afternoon of high tension.
'Play free' and show 'superior quality'published at 16:18 22 May
16:18 22 May
Will Faulks Fan writer
Chelsea fans are in a slightly strange position when it comes to Champions League qualification. They have been used to competing at the sharp end of the competition, and have won it within the last few years. Scrambling for the "top four trophy" was something they laughed at Arsenal and Spurs fans for; while they were more focused on Premier League titles races.
Given that, and given the team were one result from the top of the table at the turn of the year, it's hard to feel too excited about just qualifying for the competition. It's been a rather undignified few months of stumbling rather than steaming towards the finish line.
On the other hand, the tension of the race has built steadily, and it would be hard not to be drawn into the drama of it. Stamford Bridge was rocking for the nervy win over Manchester United last Friday, and going to Nottingham Forest on the last day of the season needing to win is a thrilling climax to it all. It certainly beats the months of dead rubbers they've closed out the last couple of seasons with.
The best message for the players (and indeed for manager Enzo Maresca) is simply to try and play free. It won't be easy in a high pressure environment against a team who will give everything, but Chelsea just have to rely on their superior quality to get the job done. If they get tense and defensive, it will only play into the opposition's hands.
Don't try to strangle the life out of the game. Go and threaten early and often, play direct, make Forest feel vulnerable at the back, and try to prevent the home crowd building up a head of steam.
'A double level of anxiety' but 'some of the best days in football'published at 13:08 22 May
13:08 22 May
Image source, Getty Images
Each team in the race for the top five will have to keep an eye on other results, but deep down, you just want to be able to focus on your own business.
You want to be able to win your game out on the pitch, but the nature of the matches are really different. You have the head-to-head between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. Then you have the likes of Manchester City playing away, Aston Villa playing away, you have got Newcastle playing at home against Everton, and when you are at home you are always going to be tough to play. So it is going to be a really, really nervous phase for all those teams involved.
How do I see it playing out? I am not sure I could tell you right now which way it is going to go. It just comes down to moments, and that is really cliche but a one-off game is almost like a final. As it stands, to go into the weekend knowing that you have a real chance, the fans of all the teams will be nervous, but you are one win away from being there.
As a player on the pitch, you absolutely get a sense of what is going on elsewhere, especially if you are at home.
You know what is happening, but then how does that affect your game? You could be losing, you could be up against it at one point, but then other teams start losing or drawing and you are back in the qualifying spots. How do you manage the next moments? How do you manage the last 10 to 15 minutes of the game when a result is one way or the other? Teams can score multiple goals in the blink of an eye, and desperation is one of the real causes for that. All of a sudden, when the kitchen sink is being thrown at people, anything is possible.
As a player, it can be really exciting. You want things to be going your way, but it is very hard to only focus on your game when other things matter at the same time. There is a double level of anxiety because you can control one thing but you cannot control the other, so you can't ever be comfortable.
From the outside, it is an exciting situation, but from the inside, you just hope that you are winning your game of football so you can just take all that out of it.
The 'as it stands' type days, they are some of the best days in football.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Image source, Getty Images
