Jorrel Hato disagrees with what Gary Neville said about Chelsea after Man City loss

Sunday’s defeat to Man City was by no means embarrassing from a Chelsea perspective, but reality dictates that the Blues’ chances of Champions League football are slim. Gary Neville believes just that.

Anyone can be rolled over by Pep Guardiola’s side. Yet, Chelsea gave a good account of themselves in the first half and were perhaps slightly unfortunate not to have gone into the break with a one-goal lead.

Marc Cucurella was inches offside before slamming the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Pedro Neto tested City’s goalkeeper, but City came out roaring. By the hour mark, the Sky Blues were 2-0 ahead.

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Fofana and Hato couldn't stop City.

Nico O’Reilly showed Chelsea can’t stop crosses once again, before Marc Guehi highlighted his old club’s transfer inadequacies. Jeremy Doku made it 3-0 after an error from the surprisingly poor Moises Caicedo.

It leaves Chelsea in sixth place, but now four points behind Liverpool, who had beaten Fulham a day prior. Neville believes Chelsea’s chances of Champions League football are now over, the gap too far to climb.

Jorrel Hato disagrees with Gary Neville’s top-five verdict

But the belief is still among the Chelsea players, even if their next game if against Manchester United. Jorrel Hato has impressed in recent weeks, with many believing he has been Chelsea’s most improved.

Speaking after the 3-0 defeat, in which Hato started as a left-sided centre-back alongside Wesley Fofana, Hato told Chelsea’s website they still have a “very good chance” of winning a Champions League place.

“We still have a very good chance to get Champions League football for next season, but we know we need to be better in our performances. For a club like Chelsea, we expect to be competing at the top.

“We want to reach the Champions League next season. We have six games left in the Premier League, so we have a lot to fight for but we know we need to improve, forget this one, move to another big game.”

What chance does Opta give Chelsea of a top-five finish?

Chelsea have six Premier League games left to play, starting with a clash against Manchester United on the weekend. The Blues still have Tottenham and Liverpool to play, as well as an FA Cup semi-final.

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But what chance do Opta give Chelsea of finishing in the top five, and achieving a Champions League spot? Well, Opta predicts Chelsea will achieve 56.7 points, while Liverpool will win a total of 61.2.

Then, there is the actual percentage Chelsea are given to qualify for the Champions League, which Opta ranks at just 17%. Ultimately, Chelsea need four more points than Liverpool, with only 18 left to play for.

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