While the manager will continue to not admit it, it is hard to argue against Chelsea being in some form of title race this season.
What is likely to be their biggest strength that some players will simply not be able to do is remain fresh at moments where the fixture list is looking it’s busiest.
This allowed for a number of their top players to start again in the Premier League last night, just three days after they had done so against Aston Villa.
Jadon Sancho of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after after scoring his team's fifth goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC ...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea break Premier League record for most expected goals away from home
Enzo Maresca stuck with a number of key names though, and the decision to do so paid off as his side picked up a 5-1 win on the road.
The Blues in reality could have added plenty to their figure, particularly in the second half when they were facing 10 men.
The likes of Cole Palmer, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke all missed big chances to increase the deficit, with Chelsea’s expected goals reaching 5.29, according to OptaJoe.
They go on to say that no away side in Premier League history has racked up more in this statistic since records began.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Chelsea’s incredible chances missed vs Southampton
It wasn’t just the attackers who were blowing chances to find the net, with Tosin Adarabioyo hitting the woodwork on more than one occasion.
Chelsea players vs Southampton Shots Goals Big chances missed xG
Christopher Nkunku 4 1 1 1.15
Cole Palmer 6 1 2 1.83
Joao Felix 3 0 2 0.69
Noni Madueke 7 1 4 1.18
It remains to be seen if the plethora of impressive performances from Chelsea players will do anything to Maresca’s thinking for his side to take on Tottenham at the weekend.
One player already confirmed to not be in the side is Filip Jorgensen, despite playing a key role in his first Premier League start since joining.
Maresca has confirmed that Robert Sanchez will be starting against Spurs, however certainly with his place in the side under more pressure than it was before Jorgensen took to the field last night.