Chelsea are evolving and growing, says manager Enzo Maresca

LONDON – Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes that his high-flying team have progressed over the past year but it is too soon to predict a title challenge.

The Blues host Premier League leaders Arsenal in a top-of-the-table clash on Nov 30, boosted by the return of Cole Palmer after more than two months on the sidelines.

But, while Palmer is a key player, Maresca said it is all about the team’s collective effort which has seen them go six matches unbeaten in all competitions – including an impressive 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek.

“For sure it’s different compared to one year ago, and it’s because we spent one more year together,” said the Italian, who won the Conference League and Club World Cup last season in his first campaign at Chelsea.

“We went through moments where we can learn from that moment. Then again, for me it’s very early.

“We are still at the end of November, December, so it’s very early and it’s important to be where we are now... in March, April, then we see.

“These players, in 16-17-18 months together, they showed many times they can beat teams.

“The mindset and mood in this moment, for us, is very good. We are doing quite well in the Premier League and the Champions League.

“We are evolving and growing. This is the best feeling for us.”

On facing Arsenal, the Chelsea boss said that the key strengths the Gunners have are that they are very good in defence – Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just six goals in 12 games – and that they are also superior in their set pieces.

“For sure, they defend fantastically. Teams struggle to score goals against them, even to create chances,” said Maresca.

“They have weapons when they attack. They are top in the Champions League and top in the Premier League.

“They score goals in set pieces against every team. They have a system in place that works very well and we will try to do our best to prepare in the best way.

“It’s another big game. We finished the Barcelona one and we won, it’s a good feeling. For me, they are all important games. Beating Barcelona and, if we are able to beat Arsenal, it’s a nice feeling, it’s three points.”

A win for the Blues would lift them just three points behind the Gunners at the top of the Premier League, while a loss would mean they would be trailing by nine.

Maresca also told his pre-match press conference on Nov 28 that Palmer was fit enough to play from the start at Stamford Bridge.

The England forward has not played for the club since Sept 20 – initially missing with a groin problem before fracturing a toe.

“Everyone is happy, his teammates are happy. We are all happy and the most important thing is that Cole is happy because in the end football players want to play games,” he said.

Palmer, 23, was Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League last season, with 15 goals. He has made just four appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice.

Another talking point is Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, who scored a stunning solo goal in Chelsea’s win against Barcelona, burnishing his reputation.

Maresca admitted pairing Palmer with Estevao, 18, was an exciting prospect.

“Depends against which team, depends a little bit on the game plan, but for sure the fans are excited to watch both together,” he said. “We also are excited, thinking that at the end we need always balance.

“It’s always good that the ones who start and play do the right things. They give me a doubt always for the next games and that’s good.

“It’s a good problem for the manager always.” AFP, REUTERS