Explained: Chelsea's Path to Europa League Qualification Based on Manchester United and Newcastle Results

Chelsea showcased their determination to keep their European football qualification hopes alive with a commanding performance against West Ham at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino's side secured their third consecutive home win with a clean sheet, tallying an impressive 13 goals in the process and positioning themselves well in the race for European qualification.

Following their resounding 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, Chelsea bounced back with a strong second-half comeback against Aston Villa, followed by crucial derby victories over Tottenham and now West Ham, under different circumstances. This string of successes presents Pochettino with an opportunity to conclude his debut year at the club on a positive note.

With Sunday's triumph, Chelsea surged past Manchester United in the standings, while also keeping pace with sixth-placed Newcastle, who displayed their own dominance with a commanding victory over Burnley. Newcastle's recent run of four wins in five matches, with prolific goal-scoring performances, adds further intensity to the competition.

Although Manchester United has yet to play their match against Crystal Palace on Monday, Chelsea faces stiff competition as they enter the final fortnight of the season. Erik ten Hag's team, which had occupied sixth place for the majority of the campaign, has seen a decline in form, presenting Chelsea and Newcastle with an opportunity to challenge for higher positions in the table.

Just six weeks ago, uncertainty loomed over the allocation of European spots as clubs prepared for various scenarios. Throughout the season, the Premier League had been locked in a fierce competition with the Bundesliga and Serie A to secure an additional Champions League spot, potentially offering teams further down the table a chance to qualify for Europe.

However, English sides' disappointing performances in the 2024 knockout stages have dashed those hopes. The current landscape provides clarity on what each spot will afford a team. With Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester United vying for a single place, even securing it may not guarantee European qualification for the upcoming season.

How can Chelsea qualify for the Europa League?

The top four teams in the Premier League will secure spots in the Champions League, following the standard practice. Unlike previous seasons, even if an English team had won the competition this year, the additional spot earned wouldn't have been transferred to another side. However, a victory would have boosted the UEFA Coefficient, enhancing the chances of securing a fifth spot in the future.

With Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool solidifying the top three positions, Aston Villa and Tottenham are locked in a battle to clinch fourth place and secure their Champions League berth.

Fifth place is now guaranteed a spot in the Europa League, but there could be potential fluctuations beyond that position.

Chelsea aims to secure sixth place, which could grant them entry into the Europa League. However, if Manchester United finishes seventh or lower and wins the FA Cup, sixth place would only secure a spot in the Conference League.

If Manchester City wins the FA Cup, sixth place would become a Europa League spot, given City's existing qualification for the Champions League. This scenario could significantly increase City's fan base for the final.

Chelsea is set for the Conference League if they finish seventh, as Liverpool's Carabao Cup victory qualifies them for the lowest-ranked UEFA club competition through a playoff.

Despite the intricacies, there's still a possibility for Manchester United to clinch eighth place and secure a European spot if either Chelsea or Newcastle finishes seventh without qualifying. Chelsea's fate remains uncertain, especially with their rivals facing each other in an upcoming league match.

A draw in that fixture could open doors for Chelsea to aim for sixth place. However, even achieving this may not suffice if Ten Hag's team wins the FA Cup. The competition remains fierce, but time may be running out for some contenders.