Chelsea followed up what Mauricio Pochettino described as the game that made him happiest since arriving with another performance just as pleasing. Coming off the back of beating Tottenham 2-0 on Thursday with 14 players out injured, it was another positive showing from the Blues on Sunday.

First-half goals from Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Conor Gallagher put West Ham out of sight before Nicolas Jackson added two after the break. David Moyes' side did hit the woodwork three times - Jarrod Bowen on each occasion - but those chances came largely in-between being split open by a rampant Chelsea attack.

It comes just two weeks after the Blues put six past Everton at Stamford Bridge as well, making it 29 goals in the last eight home games. They have now only been beaten once in the last 12 league games as well.

More importantly, it ramps up the pressure on Newcastle and Manchester United in the race for a top-six finish. It's now three teams fighting for just the one sport certain of getting Europa League football, and very little to split them.

Eddie Howe's men hammered Burnley 5-1 on Saturday to move above Manchester United, who play on Monday against Crystal Palace. Chelsea also ensured that Erik ten Hag's men would have to get a result in order to climb up the table.

With England missing out of the fifth Champions League place it means that the equation is simple. If Manchester City win the FA Cup then sixth place will qualify for the Europa League. However, if United were to drop out of the top six and then win the cup instead, sixth would only be enough for a Conference League spot.

For now, Chelsea have a job to do. They can still finish the season strongly, and European qualification could come alongside a domestic cup final and semi-final in Pochettino's first season. Whether or not it will be enough to see him remain in place for the new campaign is another question entirely.

First and foremost, here, football.london analyses the final games for each of the sides pushing for the various European places. Starting, understandably, with Chelsea's last three games.

Nottingham Forest (A) - Saturday, May 11

Surprisingly this is the game that perhaps the most jeopardy for Chelsea. Nottingham Forest are still fighting for their life and could be all but safe with a win in this fixture.

Their crucial three points against Sheffield United on Saturday have put them above Luton Town now with room to spare, as well as pulling comfortably clear of Burnley in 19th. The City Ground will be looking for another reason to celebrate as the Blues comes to town.

Chelsea are actually yet to beat Forest since they returned to the top flight and will be up against familiar opposition too with Callkum Hudson-Odoi lining up. They will be in no mood for giving mercy though.

Brighton (A) - Wednesday, May 15

Robert De Zerbi's side had fallen off a cliff. They had just two wins in their last 12 matches and conceded 22 in that time before beating Aston VIlla 1-0 on Sunday. Having been one of the most impressive sides last year, they have been unable to match that in a second year.

Chelsea are new rivals for the Seagulls, though, having spent big to buy players, coaches, and directors in the past 18 months. This fixture last year was a resounding 4-1 win for Brighton.

It's Pochettino's side that come into this meeting in form though. Chelsea will be keen to get one over Brighton and to boost their own hopes of qualifying for the Europa League.

Bournemouth (H) - Sunday, May 19

If Forest are the toughest game due to the possible stakes, Bournemouth look the most dangerous opposition. Andoni Iraola's side have been one of the form sides for quite some time now.

Since matchday 11 only the top three have more points than the Cherries, owing to their remarkable turnaround. Led by another former Blue, Dominic Solanke will have his sights set on proving a point at Stamford Bridge, and putting in a last attempt to force himself into the England squad for Euro 2024.

Bournemouth will certainly not be a pushover for Pochettino's men but with something to play for and a Thiago Silva farewell on the cards, Chelsea will hope to end their season on a high. They will also be aiming to make it nine games unbeaten at home, pushing for eight wins in that time.

Manchester United final Premier League games

Crystal Palace (A) - Monday, May 6

Arsenal (H) - Sunday, May 12

Newcastle (H) - Wednesday, May 15

Brighton (A) - Sunday, May 19

Newcastle United final Premier League games

Brighton (H) - Saturday, May 11

Manchester United (A) - Wednesday, May 15

Brentford (A) - Sunday, May 19

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