Can Chelsea still be relegated from the Premier League? Latest permutations after Arsenal defeat

Chelsea sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table after a difficult season has left them sitting on just 39 points after 33 games.

The Blues are nine points clear of the relegation zone, with Frank Lampard losing his first six games in temporary charge. The ex-Chelsea midfielder was appointed on an interim basis after the sacking of Graham Potter.

He is the club’s third manager of the campaign after Thomas Tuchel was surprisingly sacked from his role in September and replaced by Potter

Things went from bad to worse for the Blues on Tuesday as they went 3-1 down to title-chasing Arsenal. Martin Odegaard scored twice in the first half along with a strike from Gabriel Jesus before Noni Madueke replied for the visitors in the second 45.

Can Chelsea still be relegated?

While it is unlikely a poor season will result in relegation, Chelsea are still mathematically at risk of the drop. The Blues are nine points clear of the bottom three with Leicester City, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest all on 30 points.

For the Blues to drop into the Championship they would need to be overtaken by two of those clubs with West Ham, Wolves and Bournemouth also needing to climb above them.

The trio of teams on 30 points only have four games remaining each and it is unlikely two of the clubs will pick up 10 points given their form and current points tally.

West Ham on 34 points, Wolves on 37 and Bournemouth on 39 could still finish above Chelsea this term, however.

An average of around 36 points has normally been required to survive in the Premier League, with the last team relegated with 39 points Birmingham City in 2011.

In a 38-game season, only three clubs have been relegated with 40 or more points which was West Ham with 42 points in 2002-03, Bolton Wanderers with 40 points 1997-98 and Sunderland with 40 points 1996-97.