Maresca likes to insist his young charges are now embroiled in the title race
But the way they are playing, and with their history, you can't put it past them
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By MARTIN KEOWN
Published: 17:30 EST, 20 December 2024 | Updated: 17:30 EST, 20 December 2024
No English club won more than Chelsea in the Roman Abramovich years. Not Manchester United, not Arsenal, not Liverpool, not Manchester City, nobody.
They were the blue behemoths, successful in every competition. Five Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, three League Cups, two Europa Leagues, two Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
That sparkling heritage was what Chelsea’s now owners hoped they were buying with their billions in 2022 — a winning machine geared to keep going. It is amusing that they now want you to think they are not in the Premier League title race.
Sorry Enzo Maresca and Co, but we aren’t buying the baloney you’re selling. You are contenders, 100 per cent.
I don’t entirely blame Maresca for peddling the line Chelsea aren’t competing with the top dogs. He doesn’t want his stars’ heads in the clouds during this key developmental phase. But if Chelsea can beat Everton to go top of the tree on Sunday, even if only until Liverpool take on Tottenham in the later game, everyone will know that they are in this race.
It is easy to see that Maresca once worked closely with Pep Guardiola. Chelsea are playing quicker, one-touch, two-touch football and opponents cannot box them in.
I don't buy it when Enzo Maresca says Chelsea aren't in the title race - they could go top on Sunday
They have abundant attacking talent and many options to rotate, with good chemistry
It is still astonishing that Manchester City let Cole Palmer go, while Enzo Fernandez is looking like the World Cup winner he was in 2022
It is still astonishing that City were ever willing to sell Cole Palmer because he has magical powers. Out of possession, he is just as intelligent, knowing when to join Nicolas Jackson in pressing high up the pitch. Palmer is forever on the move, taking up new positions to receive the ball. In possession, he is special, with 11 goals, six assists and more chances created than any other player this season.
His powers will be needed on Sunday, against an Everton team with six clean sheets in their last nine outings. But Chelsea will believe they have enough riches in attack to break down the Blues with a midfield that’s right on song.
Enzo Fernandez is looking like the World Cup winner we’ve been waiting to see. His through balls have been perfectly measured for Jackson, who has learned how to finish.
Maresca deserves credit for getting Jadon Sancho to enjoy his football again as he competes with Joao Felix on the left side. On the right, there’s a high-level tussle between Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke. Maresca has players fighting for their places in the team and, ultimately, to win the Premier League.
In Maresca himself, it increasingly feels like they have the manager to achieve that. Guardiola’s former assistant is adamant that baby steps are needed if the Blues are to become title winners.
Victory over a resolute Everton side would represent a giant leap.