Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says it is too early to determine whether his team can compete with the likes of Arsenal for the Premier League title this season.
The Blues welcome early leaders Arsenal to the Stamford Bridge on Sunday, hoping to reduce their deficit to the top of the standings to just three points.
The London side put themselves into the title contention in the 2024-25 campaign, but faded midway into the season before recovering to finish fourth on the standings.
Maresca also talked down on their title challenge in that season and ahead of the clash against the Gunners on Sunday, the Italian maintains the same stance on their title challenge.
“It’s too early in any case if we win or don’t win [against Arsenal]. It’s November, there’s five or six months to go”, the Italian said.
“It’s important where we are [in the table] in February and March and we’ll see if we can achieve something important.”
Chelsea recorded a commanding 3-0 win over Barcelona in the UCL in midweek, boosting their confidence going into this particular clash.
However, the Blues have not won against the Gunners at hone since 2018 and are also winless in their last seven meetings.
It’s another big game”, the Chelsea boss added.
“We finished the one against Barça with a good feeling. If it’s bigger than the last one, I don’t know. For me they’re all important.
“It’s a nice feeling but it’s three points. Then we have Leeds which is three points in the same way.
“The mindset and mood are very good. We are doing good in the Premier League and Champions League. It’s a good feeling that we can see we’re improving and growing”, he continued.
“We need that environment, the fans the way they were. It’s always nice to share that kind of moment at the end of the game with everyone.”
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