Even when Chelsea continuously won titles in the first two decades of the 21st century, each of their seasons is still potentially risky. At that time, the problem often lies in whether they can win titles to compensate for the instability in the Premier League or not.
Under Roman Abramovich, Chelsea only had three seasons out of 18 seasons not in the top 4, and won up to 17 titles. Thanks to the 2012 UEFA Champions League title, they were only absent from this tournament twice.
However, after the last three seasons, the London team has ranked 12th, 6th and fourth respectively, with titles such as the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup last summer being rare highlights.
Chelsea still has a chance to finish the 2025-2026 season with both titles and a Champions League spot. They have reached the FA Cup semi-finals against Leeds United and are currently ranked sixth in the Premier League, only one point behind Liverpool in fifth place - a position that can qualify for the Champions League according to UEFA's odds.
Previously, Chelsea could rely on a star-studded squad to overcome difficulties regardless of who the coach was. But that is no longer easy when the leadership shifts to developing young players.
Currently, Cole Palmer is the biggest support, but he himself is also declining in form.
Alarming series of goalless matches
Palmer's form at both club and national team is causing concern. In the international matches in March, he could not convince coach Thomas Tuchel after lackluster performances against Uruguay and Japan.
At the club level, the situation is not much better. After a hat-trick against Wolves on February 7, Palmer has only scored 2 goals and had 1 assist in the last 11 matches. His most recent contribution is a goal against Aston Villa, but that was 8 matches ago.
More worryingly, Palmer almost did not create clear opportunities to end this ineffective streak. In the 7-0 victory over Port Vale in the FA Cup, Chelsea played explosively but Palmer did not score or assist.
Palmer's form in the Premier League has also declined significantly. Since his 14th goal in the 2024-2025 season in January 2025, he has only scored 10 more goals, including 6 from penalties.
Chelsea faces tough schedule at the end of the season
Chelsea is entering the challenging final stage of the 2025-2026 season, when the schedule can get very bad very quickly, starting with a clash with Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's team has rekindled hopes of chasing Arsenal in the championship race, after defeating this opponent in the Carabao Cup final and destroying Liverpool in the FA Cup. It is possible that the two teams may also meet again in the FA Cup final.
After this match, The Blues will return home to welcome Manchester United, where the focus may revolve around rumors related to Palmer. Media pressure therefore continues to surround the London team.
Liam Rosenior's team still has difficult away games against Liverpool and Sunderland, and must also face Nottingham Forest and arch-rival Tottenham Hotspur before the season ends.
The race to win a Champions League spot was already not easy, now it has become even harsher for Chelsea as their schedule is considered more difficult than their direct competitors.
Chelsea's failure to participate in the Champions League will lead to great financial losses, and at the same time increase the risk of force drain. Pressure from PSR is present, and the scenario of selling stars is no longer far-fetched. The current squad - which is the foundation of the club's strength - is facing the risk of disruption.
In that context, Palmer has to face a not-so-simple task: regaining scoring form, overcoming physical fitness problems and proving his ability with Tuchel to compete for a World Cup spot.
Chelsea, more than ever, needs Palmer to return to an explosive image to overcome this crucial period.
