Paul Merson fears Chelsea face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League after Liam Rosenior’s side threw away a two-goal lead against Leeds United.

The Blues looked on course to make up ground in the race to cement a top five position in the Premier League when Cole Palmer’s penalty doubled their lead at Stamford Bridge.

In-form Joao Pedro had set Rosenior’s side on their in the opening period but Chelsea undid all their good work in a crazy six minute spell after the break.

Lukas Nmecha’s spot kick drew Leeds back into the contest, before an almighty defensive mix-up saw Noah Okafor bundle home an equaliser that could well prove crucial in Leeds’ fight to beat the drop.

Chelsea did manage to fashion one gilt-edged chance to snatch victory but Cole Palmer, unbelievably, fired over from almost underneath the crossbar.

That setback, coupled with Manchester United’s last-gasp equaliser against West Ham, represented a missed opportunity for Chelsea who now face a daunting run of fixtures.

Just as worryingly for Merson, the former England international believes that for all the sparking attacking play under Maresca, this current Chelsea side are still far too...