Cole Palmer says it is crucial for Chelsea to have their fate in their own hands heading into the final day as they aim to secure a top-six finish and qualify for Europe.
Palmer opened the scoring in Wednesday's 2-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion, which took the Blues above Newcastle United and ensured that a draw at home against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday would secure a European spot.
"For it to be in our hands to get sixth place is a big thing for us," Palmer told BBC Sport.
"Chelsea are a big club and everyone wants to finish higher than sixth, but you have to look at where we were at the start of the season. To get back into Europe would be a step in the right direction.
"All credit to the manager. All the players love the manager and want to fight for him."
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 |
Spurs
TOT
|
38 | +13 | 66 |
| 6 |
Chelsea
CHE
|
38 | +14 | 63 |
| 7 |
Newcastle
NEW
|
38 | +23 | 60 |
| 8 |
Man Utd
MUN
|
38 | -1 | 60 |
Pochettino endured a tough start to his Chelsea tenure, not helped by injuries to several key players and summer signings.
But his side have now lost only once since early February - against title-challenging Arsenal - and have won their last four matches.
“I am so happy for the players,” Pochettino told Chelsea's official website. “They deserve the full credit because of the way they worked, they approached the game and tried to apply all of the work we have been doing on the training ground.
“I feel so proud. To face a team like Brighton here in their stadium, it is always difficult. We are so happy because the three points allow us to have the hope of achieving what we want, which is to play in Europe next season."