Monday, 25th February, 2013
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez wants his side to focus on securing a top four spot after losing 2-0 away at Manchester City.
The Blues went into the clash at the Etihad Stadium yesterday with the knowledge that a win would move them to within one point of Roberto Mancini’s men in second place.
It did seem Chelsea could end the campaign fighting for the runners-up spot behind Manchester United.
But two second half goals for the hosts, from Yaya Toure (63rd minute) and Carlos Tevez (85th minute), put Benitez’s men to the sword and increased Manchester City’s advantage over the Blues to seven points.
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And now, with Tottenham just one point behind, Arsenal two points behind and Everton even not out of the top four reckoning, seven points behind, Benitez knows his men must switch their focus to making sure of Champions League football next season.
"When you lose you have to be disappointed and this game was important for us because we could have been closer to Man City but we cannot give up, we have to carry on, try to win our games and get close", the Spaniard told his club’s official site.
"We have to fight for the top four because Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton are close behind."
If Tottenham can beat West Ham this evening, then Andre Villas-Boas’ men will jump above Chelsea into third place.
Key games for the Blues from their remaining eleven matches look to be Tottenham (home, 14th April), Liverpool (away, 21st April), Manchester United (away, 4th May) and Everton (home, 19th May).
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