Shearer Predicts Chelsea Will Miss Top Five

Alan Shearer has criticized Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson for an ineffective performance in Chelsea's dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Fulham, where Tyrique George and Pedro Neto scored late goals. Despite the victory, Shearer predicts Chelsea will finish outside the Premier League's top five, missing out on Champions League qualification. He points to Chelsea's remaining fixtures against Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest as the toughest among their rivals. The fight for the three Champions League spots behind Liverpool and Arsenal is intense, with five teams separated by only a few points. Newcastle and Aston Villa have shown strong form, but Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have faltered at a key stage. Failing to secure a top-five finish would be a major setback for Chelsea and manager Enzo Maresca, who are also in the Conference League semifinals.