Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has hailed the Tottenham’s role in his club’s qualification for the next season’s Champions League.

The Blues suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Villa Park but still finished in the Premier League top four thanks to Tottenham’s victory at Leicester City

“I knew three or four minutes before our game was over, because the game in Leicester was over a bit earlier and it was clear we were through,’ revealed Tuchel of how he found out about our top-four finish.

“That was the main target, but clearly we did not prepare for the occasion today, we prepared for the match. Again, we are absolutely able to win this match. It is normally hard to create chances and score against Aston Villa, but we created a lot of chances, a lot of half-chances, many, many deliveries.

“It was the story of the season. We needed many clean sheets to overcome this lack of composure and precision. We conceded two goals from set-pieces out of nothing and made it hard to come back, but we even then we had enough chances to come back.

“We are still a young team and we try to improve them and make them learn from every game. We need to adjust details and we need to be spot on on Saturday if we are to have a positive outcome.

“We have no regrets,’ added Tuchel.

“We are lucky Tottenham finished the job for us today. We came to win and put any doubt to the side, but it was not possible.

“We are in the position and we were in the position that it was possible to end in the top four with a defeat. That was possible because of the team’s hard work and good results.”

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Edouard Mendy has pain in his ribs and will be assessed ahead of the Champions League final against Manchester City.

Blues goalkeeper went off injured in today’s defeat at Aston Villa, with Kepa Arrizabalaga coming off the bench to replace him.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Tuchel told Chelseafc.com: “He fell on the frame of the net. He has big pain in his ribs. We need to wait until we get home, and we will do some images.”

“Tomorrow, we will have an update on what’s going on. We have a week to prepare, and we will see if it’s possible. If it’s possible, we need to push and do everything so he is in goal on Saturday.”

The Blues were disappointing against the Villans earlier today, and it was another occasion where they were unable to convert their chances on goal.

They have suffered three losses in the last four games in all competitions, and the preparation has been far from ideal for the Champions League final.

The Blues take on Manchester City in Lisbon on May 29, and Tuchel will hope that Mendy can prove his fitness ahead of the European meeting.

But, according to iNews, Mendy may now struggle to make it for next week’s Champions League final clash against Manchester City.

The Senegal international has had a strong first season at Stamford Bridge and it would be sad for him to miss out on such a big game after all the fine performances he’s put in.

Mendy had some fine moments in the semi-final win over Real Madrid and Chelsea fans certainly won’t be as confident of winning the final without him starting between the sticks.

Kepa has done a credible job as the back-up goalkeeper, but there have been question marks over his ability to cope with long-range shots.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey launched into a huge tackle on a first-team coach in training.

The Ghanaian has had an inconsistent first year in England, with injuries hampering his progress and preventing him from finding his top form.

But it was Sam Wilson, Arsenal’s strength and conditioning coach, who was in danger of injury in a clip from a Gunners session.

Partey was one of two Arsenal players in the middle of a rondo training drill, and as the ball was laid back to Wilson he launched himself at the coach with a terrible late tackle.

Wilson was left on the floor holding his ankle after being wiped out, but by the end of the clip was back on his feet.

Arsenal’s captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang posted the video on his Instagram page and clearly enjoyed Partey’s big challenge.

He posted: ‘@ThomasPartey5’s ready for the next African Cup of Nations – @s_wilson92 damn bro I wish you a speedy recovery (just kidding).’

Partey joined Arsenal for £45m in October and has only been able to make 17 Premier League starts since arriving at the Emirates.