Cameron Smith
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
© IMAGO
“Chelsea showed today that this year is different. They are stronger. They don't have doubts like last year.”
Those were the words of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery after his side slumped to a 3-0 defeat against the Blues on Sunday afternoon, and they certainly ring true.
Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer put Villa to the sword as Enzo Maresca’s impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge continued with yet another eye-catching victory.
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The Italian’s appointment was widely criticised following an upturn in form under Mauricio Pochettino during the final few weeks of the 2023-24 campaign, and questions were frequently raised during Chelsea’s dismal pre-season tour of the USA.
However, Maresca has implemented a brand of football that has seen Chelsea elevate themselves into surprise title contention.
Liverpool are, of course, nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table, but Chelsea currently sit in third place, level on points with Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Arsenal and two points ahead of free-falling Manchester City.
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Maresca has been quick to downplay suggestions that Chelsea are in contention for the English top flight title this season, but the Blues have one of the best squads in the country and they are once again a serious football team.
That hasn’t been the case for the majority of Clearlake Capital’s reign, however Chelsea appear to be back. Not back to their glory days under Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte or even Thomas Tuchel, sure, but they are back in contention for major honours.
Cole Palmer has endured a dip in form over the past month, but he bagged a stunner against Villa to end his goal drought, Nicolas Jackson is arguably the most in-form centre forward in the Premier League, while Moises Caicedo is currently one of the best midfielders in world football.
Chelsea’s squad depth is also frankly frightening and they look ideally prepared to deal with the intense upcoming winter fixture schedule.
The Europa Conference League is Chelsea’s to lose and while Liverpool are the runaway favourites for Premier League glory this season, the Blues are well placed to pounce if the Reds suffer a poor run of results or an injury occurs to either Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk.
Chelsea are ready to compete for major honours
After Chelsea’s fairly routine win over Aston Villa, Maresca told reporters: “We are not ready to compete with Liverpool, Arsenal and City for many reasons.
“Just because we won today I’m not going to change my idea. We’re not ready for that. But the good thing is that we are improving and hopefully very soon we can be there.
“Arsenal, Liverpool, [Manchester] City players have all lived finals and competed for titles. We’re going to be there soon but it’s the reason we are still far away and not yet ready to compete.”
Nicolas Jackson has scored eight Premier League goals so far this season
© IMAGO - Nicolas Jackson has scored eight Premier League goals so far this season
While Chelsea’s lack of experience is a notable factor, Maresca’s team have proved him wrong so far this campaign.
They have only lost four of their 21 matches across all competitions so far this season, and the Blues could easily have avoided defeat in all four games.
The opening day loss to Man City was somewhat unfortunate, while the defeat to Liverpool could’ve gone either way. Furthermore, they dominated against Servette and Newcastle United, but were let down by poor lapses of defensive concentration in both games.
Ultimately, Chelsea have gone toe-to-toe with Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City so far this season, and while results haven’t quite fallen in their favour, they are more than ready to compete with the biggest clubs in the Premier League.
A title challenge may be a step too far, due to the imperious nature of Arne Slot’s Liverpool, but Chelsea are ready to at least compete with the best teams in the Premier League.
The Blues have a youthful squad with an abundance of talent and Maresca appears to have been the perfect appointment at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are back. That much is clear.