The Top Flight
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Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal: Who’s Getting Top 4, Who’s Missing Out?

By Mahith Gamage

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Lucas Torreira of Arsenal shields the ball from Nemanja Matic of Manchester United during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Lucas Torreira of Arsenal shields the ball from Nemanja Matic of Manchester United during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Eden Hazard of Chelsea celebrates his sides first goal the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on February 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Eden Hazard of Chelsea celebrates his sides first goal the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on February 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

CHELSEA WILL MAKE TOP 4 BECAUSE OF: The sheer quality of their squad, and their X-Factor, Eden Hazard:

Whether you like Maurizio Sarri or not, and whether you think Jorginho should be playing 6 or Kante, it’s difficult to deny the quality of the squad available to Maurizio Sarri. Their midfield options are extensive and packed with quality, as are their wide options and centre-back options. The main difference between Chelsea and their rivals, is Eden Hazard. The Belgian is comfortably the best player in the Premier League, and his ability to drag Chelsea out of holes single-handedly has become a regular occurence this season. If Hazard performs well from now until May, it’s difficult to bet against Chelsea to get top 4. The addition of Gonzalo Higuain is also welcomed, as he adds more quality to the squad than Giroud or Morata do.

CHELSEA WILL NOT MAKE TOP 4 BECAUSE OF: The squads waining relationship with Maurizio Sarri:

Even if you are a casual fan of football, it’s likely that you heard about the incident over the weekend in the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City, when goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be subbed off despite the demands of Maurizio Sarri.

Many have traced this back to a poor relationship between Sarri and his players, which seems to have affected the teams form on numerous occasions. After the loss to Arsenal last month, Sarri spoke out about his squads unwillingness to listen. This open criticism of his own players is a hint at a sour relationship, as many managers choose to deflect the faults upon themselves after a loss to protect their players.

Next. Kepa or no Kepa, Chelsea are Improving. dark

Similar comments followed after crushing defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City however, so it seems like the relationship between the squad and their manager is weak, which can cause major issues in a tense portion of the season.

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