Levi Colwill believes Chelsea “deserve to be in the Champions League” following their critical 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground that sealed a top-five finish.

The Blues came into Sunday’s affair holding their fate in their hands and knowing that three points would confirm Champions League qualification, while ending Forest’s own hopes of a top-five finish.

After a cagey first half, defender Levi Colwill broke the deadlock just five minutes after the restart, capitalising on Pedro Neto’s cross to slot into an empty net.

Forest pushed for an equaliser but were held at bay by a resolute Chelsea defence, with the Blues securing their first clean sheet in an away Premier League game since a 3-0 win at West Ham in September.

The result sees Enzo Maresca’s side finish fourth, capping an inconsistent but ultimately successful league campaign.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Colwill said: “We had to win. We knew we had to win and that it wasn't going to be a hard atmosphere, but we did it.

“This club deserves to be in the Champions League.

“When I scored, I stayed calm because we still had more minutes to play, but I stayed calm and helped the boys.

“What I got taught in the academy is you have to fight. We try to get these clean sheets to win and that's what we did today.”

It was just Chelsea’s second win in their last 11 away league games, having drawn three and lost six of the previous 10.

Maresca echoed Colwill’s statements, adding: “The boys grew a lot as a team and as players, and they showed how good they are today.

“I hope we brought this club to where it has to be. We finished sixth last year and, most of the time, they forget that.”

Chelsea captain Reece James was delighted with his side’s performance, acknowledging the Blues had to dig deep to keep Forest at bay.

“It is an amazing feeling. We knew coming here on the final day would be tough,” James told BBC Radio 5.

“They have had an amazing season, and they have so much threat going forward.

“We had to dig in. We both needed to win, but I am so happy that the team got the job done today.

“The season has been long and tough. We started off so well, but then we had a dip. But now we’re going into another final, and we have our eyes on the prize.”

Chelsea now turn their attention to Wednesday’s Conference League final against Real Betis, with the chance to end the campaign with silverware.