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Football London
Football London
Sport
Robert Warlow

Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea warned of big regret they may have in Premier League top four race

Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea side could live to regret the dropped points against Brighton on Tuesday night in the battle to finish in the Premier League top four.

That's the verdict of former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin, who says the Blues will feel that they could and should have done better against the Seagulls.

Tuchel's men were held to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge amid a backdrop of protests from supporters outside the ground prior to kick-off against the European Super League plans.

On the pitch, Chelsea were far from their best, with Brighton battling to a hard-earned point to boost the Seagulls in their battle to stay in the Premier League, while the visitors came closest to winning the game as Danny Welbeck hit the post.

Chelsea did move back into the top four with a point, going above London rivals West Ham on goal difference ahead of a crunch clash between the two sides at the London Stadium this weekend.

But Dublin feels that the two points dropped against Brighton will be one Tuchel and his Chelsea side will look back on, should they fail to qualify for Champions League football next season.

Speaking on BBC programme Match of the Day, Dublin said: "They will look back at this game and think 'do you know what, we really should have got something more from it, more than a point'.

"They should have done better. Brighton sort of fell away towards the end of the game, they started really well, but it was a good chance for Thomas Tuchel and his men to get some more points on the board."

Tuchel himself was not happy with the result, adding that he was worried about the impact of dropping points, particularly at home.

"I fear I will never be pleased with a point at Stamford Bridge," he said.

"I fear this will never happen. It was clearly our target to win the home match, we knew it was a tough one. I was a bit concerned about the physical impact and the travelling after Porto and Man City as we decided to play without so many changes between those games.

"We didn’t deserve more, which is maybe for the first time.

"We are in fourth place, it’s in our hands. It’s a tight race. We’ve missed two opportunities in home matches and this worries me a little bit. But we have to keep going.

Chelsea are now preparing to face West Ham on Saturday, with the two sides level on points in fourth and fifth position respectively, with Tottenham and Liverpool both two points behind them in the race for the top four.

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