Jamie Redknapp says the top-four race has been ‘blown wide open’ following Chelsea’s defeat

Jamie Redknapp says the top four race has been ‘blown wide open’ after Chelsea slipped up against Arsenal on Wednesday night to leave the door ajar for their nearest rivals. 

Thomas Tuchel’s side are viewed as favourites to clinch fourth spot come the end of the season with the German overseeing a remarkable transformation in the club’s fortunes since taking over in January.

However, an Emile Smith-Rowe goal – caused by a costly error from Jorginho – handed Mikel Arteta‘s Gunners all three points to deal a blow to the Blues’ top four aspirations.

West Ham, Liverpool and Leicester are vying for the final two spots for Champions League football next season, with Jurgen Klopp’s Reds taking on Manchester United on Thursday night.

And Redknapp believes that the race is ‘wide open’ after Wednesday’s result, adding that Liverpool could be favourites to clinch a spot if they leave Old Trafford with all three points. 

‘If Liverpool win tomorrow I think the rest of the games they can get maximum points from there and it might actually make them favourites to sneak into one of those top four positions,’ he said on Sky Sports.

‘It’s so unpredictable you don’t know what is going to happen. It’s a brilliant night for Leicester, it’s a brilliant night for Liverpool, it’s a brilliant night for West Ham – they’ll still believe now that they have got a chance. 

‘I think we all based it on the fact Chelsea would get three points tonight. It has been blown wide open. Tomorrow Liverpool have such a big game and if they get three points you start to believe they can actually do it.’

Ashley Cole noted that the return of fans for the final two games of the season could give the Champions League hopefuls an extra boost to give it their all. 

‘Hopefully that atmosphere will give that little spark which I’m sure these players have missed,’ he said. 

‘Who can do it? Liverpool have a big game tomorrow they have got to take care of their own business. Chelsea have dropped points today and if they would have won today they’d have gotten into a great position.’

Tuchel took full responsibility for his side’s lacklustre display against their London rivals, having made seven changes to the side that beat Manchester City last time out. 

‘Totally our fault, nobody else’s,’ he said. ‘I think we lost the game. It is totally our responsibility. We had huge chances. We made an own goal, more or less, a total gift. 

‘But overall we were not sharp enough. We could not put up the same intensity and energy as usual and it’s on me, maybe it was too many changes form the last match and I take full responsibility for that. 

‘Maybe it is the last wake up call for all of us.’