Enzo Maresca has expressed that Chelsea should not yet focus on the Premier League title race. Currently second, Chelsea could close the gap to three points behind Arsenal with a win on Sunday. However, Maresca emphasised that their attention remains on Mikel Arteta's squad for now.
Chelsea have struggled against Arsenal recently, winning only once in their last 11 league encounters. They have not secured a victory in seven matches since a 2-0 triumph at the Emirates in August 2021. Despite this, the return of Cole Palmer, who is fit to play, provides a boost for the team.
The Opta supercomputer predicts Chelsea has a 4.9% chance of clinching the Premier League title this season. This probability is only surpassed by Manchester City at 9.8% and
Arsenal at 80.6%. Maresca believes Chelsea can be considered title contenders if they maintain their position by February.
Maresca stated, "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. " He stressed the importance of their standing in February and March to determine if they can achieve significant success.
Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice have been prominent figures ahead of the London derby, with both receiving Ballon d'Or mentions. Maresca praised them but noted that their duel won't solely decide Sunday's result. "The Premier League is full of good players, very good midfielders," he remarked.
Maresca added, "Moi, Declan, [Bruno] Guimaraes, Rodri. Full of very good midfielders. It's a big part of the game but it's not the only one. " He highlighted that while midfield battles are crucial, they are just one aspect of an 11 v 11 match.
1st 2nd pic.twitter.com/Uu991QUaQm
- Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 27, 2025
Maresca reflected on past games and upcoming challenges by saying every match holds equal importance. "It's another big game," he said about facing Arsenal after playing Barcelona. He acknowledged each match offers three points regardless of the opponent.
