Chelsea qualify for Champions League as Manchester United, Arsenal draw

Chelsea celebrate qualification for Champions League

Chelsea on Sunday secured their place in the Champions League next season with victory over Watford at Stamford Bridge.

The win, combined with Arsenal’s draw against Brighton and Manchester United’s draw against Huddersfield Town, means the Blues are guaranteed a top-four finish in the Premier League.

After a quiet first half, Chelsea scored twice within three minutes early in the second period through headers by Ruben Loftus-Cheek and David Luiz.

Gonzalo Higuain sealed the points with a neat finish from Pedro’s pass for his fifth goal for the club.

The win moves Chelsea up to third; one point ahead of Tottenham and four points clear of the fifth-placed Gunners.

Arsenal would need an eight-goal swing, as well as results going their way, to overtake their rivals.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put Arsenal in front with a ninth-minute penalty after Alireza Jahanbakhsh was judged to have fouled Nacho Monreal despite appearing to get the ball.

Aside from occasional bursts, Unai Emery’s side were shaky and sloppy for long periods, with Granit Xhaka committing an absurd foul on Solly March to concede a penalty that Glenn Murray converted on 61 minutes.

Manchester United will have to settle for Europa League football next season after being held by a Huddersfield side who were relegated in March.

The Terriers had managed just four points in their previous 23 games – but watched by outgoing chairman, Dean Hoyle, they earned a draw as Isaac Mbenza’s first goal for the club levelled Scott McTominay’s first-half effort.