Patrick Vieira gives Chelsea's next owner Premier League boost Thomas Tuchel must capitalise on

The fate of the Premier League title has gone from one of Chelsea's top priorities this season to a bit of an afterthought. Not only due to a poor run of form over Christmas that saw Thomas Tuchel's side drop from the summit to a concerning 13 points behind Manchester City in mid-January. But also due to the very serious crisis facing the club after the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich.

Though after a run of five straight league wins, three of those coming across the last week, the Blues look in a very healthy position to claim third place and Champions League qualification for next season. What is probably more intriguing is the prospect of closing the gap to Manchester City before the end of this season.

After City's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on Monday night, Chelsea now have the chance with their game in hand to close the current gap of 11 down to eight should they beat Arsenal. Patrick Vieira has done a few favours for Chelsea this season, beating City in the reverse fixture back in October and helping to get the best out of Conor Gallagher.

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Although the aim in August was to compete for the title with City and Liverpool, the gap of 19 points at the end of last season to Pep Guardiola's champions was always going to be a steep challenge to close within nine months. Shortening that gap which threatened to remain in January when Chelsea were beaten at the Etihad would be a positive boost heading into a challenging summer.

The looming concern over Chelsea's ownership has thrown all future plans up in the air, so even thinking about