Chelsea, Villa, and Man City battle for fifth as Forest, Newcastle, and Arsenal eye late twists in UCL drama

Marc Cucurella’s decisive header against Manchester United not only lifted Chelsea into pole position for Champions League qualification—it also intensified the race for the Premier League’s top five, with six clubs still in contention.

Chelsea’s 1-0 win on Friday looked set to end in frustration until Cucurella’s 71st-minute breakthrough. That single goal has kept the west London side’s European fate in their own hands. Victory at Nottingham Forest on the final day will guarantee Champions League football for Mauricio Pochettino’s men—an outcome that seemed unlikely just weeks ago.

“Step by step we are creating something special,” said Cucurella. “Now only two games left to achieve something special. The most important thing is it depends on us.”

Meanwhile, Aston Villa also kept their European hopes alive by beating Tottenham 2-0 at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side are fifth, but Manchester City—currently sixth and one point behind—still have a game in hand. They host Bournemouth on Tuesday and a draw or win would bump Villa out of the top five.

“We can get Champions League, fantastic,” said Emery. “We are wishing to continue in the season we are doing. We are now in a good moment.”

The stakes are even higher this year: England has secured an additional Champions League berth, with five Premier League sides qualifying due to stellar English performances in Europe. Spain has also gained a bonus slot.

Liverpool, already crowned champions, have long locked up their place. But behind them, the situation is fluid. Arsenal can seal qualification by beating Newcastle on Sunday—though a draw would likely be enough due to goal difference. A surprise defeat, however, could put them in danger of missing out, especially if Newcastle and City capitalise in their remaining fixtures.

Newcastle could jump to second with a win at the Emirates. They’ll follow that with a final game at home to Everton, and Eddie Howe’s side have looked more resilient in recent weeks.

Manchester United and Tottenham—both mired in disappointing league campaigns—still have a wild card up their sleeves: the Europa League final on Wednesday in Bilbao. Whoever wins that clash earns a direct spot in the Champions League, despite finishing as low as 16th or 17th in the table.

For Nottingham Forest, still chasing from seventh, the path is narrow. They travel to West Ham on Sunday needing a win. A loss ends their hopes; even a draw might not be enough, as they sit four points behind fifth.

Manchester City, still balancing domestic and FA Cup ambitions, need at least a point against Bournemouth to re-enter the top five. Their final game against Fulham could also prove pivotal.

BBC pundits have relished the late-season tension. Jamie Redknapp called it “beautiful,” while Roy Keane said, “It is really exciting. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Newcastle win at Arsenal?”

All eyes will be on Sunday’s fixtures, with Arsenal v Newcastle at 16:30 and West Ham v Forest kicking off earlier at 14:15. By Tuesday night, after Man City’s clash with Bournemouth, the top-five picture may finally start to clear—or plunge into even deeper chaos.