Chelsea miss out on Europe altogether after 2-1 defeat against Sunderland | OneFootball

Chelsea have ended a nightmare campaign in the worst possible way as defeat to Sunderland confirmed that the Blues will miss out on European football next season.

The Blues were already reeling from missing out on a top-five finish that could have sealed a place in the Champions League.

Having already settled for a Europa League slot, Chelsea only needed to avoid defeat at the Stadium of Light to confirm their place in Europe for next season.

However, Chelsea fell to a shocking 2-1 defeat that has helped Sunderland to secure European football for the first time since 1973.

Sunderland produced an energetic and confident performance in front of their home crowd.

Defender Trai Hume opened the scoring in the first half with an impressive volley that gave the hosts a deserved lead. Chelsea struggled to respond and looked short of ideas throughout much of the contest.

Things became even worse for the visitors shortly after the break when Malo Gusto accidentally turned the ball into his own net, doubling Sunderland’s advantage and increasing the pressure on Chelsea.

There was a brief moment of hope when Cole Palmer pulled a goal back for the Blues.

The England international has endured one of his most difficult campaigns in a Chelsea shirt this season, but there has been an uptick in his performances in recent weeks.

His 56th-minute strike against Sunderland was a sign of his late resurgence.

However, Chelsea’s hopes of a comeback quickly faded after defender Wesley Fofana was sent off just six minutes after Palmer pulled one back for the Blues.

Finishing the game with ten men means Chelsea couldn’t salvage a draw, meaning the Blues have now ended the season 10th on the log.

Attention will now turn to incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who faces the difficult task of rebuilding the squad and restoring Chelsea’s competitive edge.

While some may argue that a season without European football could allow the new manager plenty of time to rebuild the squad and imprint his tactical ideas, missing out on Europe is still a massive setback for a club of Chelsea’s stature.

It could also lead to an upheaval at the club, with a few key players heavily linked with a summer exit.