Chelsea can close the gap to Arsenal to three points with a win on Sunday, so an obvious question was put to Enzo Maresca.
Before the season, the term ‘dark horse’ was doing the rounds when it came to discussing Chelsea’s title hopes.
But we’re almost a third of the way through the campaign, and the Blues look the most likely to challenge Mikel Arteta’s side. That challenge can start with a win at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
In his pre-match press conference, that very fact was brought up to Maresca.
Can Chelsea win the Premier League title this season?
Enzo Maresca responds to title question differently to last season
Chelsea were in a similarly strong position this time last year. In fact, they were second at Christmas before the wheels slowly came off.
Maresca took quite a bit of heat for claiming Chelsea weren’t in the title race.
But any Chelsea fan will tell you the vibe is different this season, and the Italian agrees.
He said (via Football London): “I think for sure it’s different compared to one year ago. It’s because we spent one more year together. We went through moments where we can learn from the moments.”
It’s clear that Chelsea are a more dangerous proposition now with two major trophies and dozens of difficult games together.
Maresca was pressed for what a win on Sunday could mean for their Premier League title credentials.
Enzo Maresca celebrates with Chelsea fans
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He responded: “I think it’s too early in any case. If we win, if we don’t win, I think it’s too early. We are still, end of November, we are still five, six months to go.
“I think it’s very important when we’re going to be in February, March, where we are, and from there we decide and we see if we can achieve something important.”
Maresca on Palmer’s return
The news that Palmer is available for Arsenal is a huge boost for everyone at the club.
Maresca has a few key decisions to make for Arsenal, and Palmer is one of them. We think he will elect to leave him on the bench rather than start so soon.
But his return will be celebrated nonetheless.
Maresca is certainly pleased: “He is, as you said, probably our best player. We are happy that he is back. Now we need to give him time to be 100% fit. He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very well for this club in the future.”
Stay at Stamford Bridge or start again with a brand-new stadium?
Chelsea fans, what’s the right call for the next 50 years? Have your say in the comments below. ð
Chelsea FC v Fulham FC - Premier League
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Everyone at Stamford Bridge will be hoping for a cameo from Palmer, but that comes second after the hope of a win.
Regardless of what Maresca says, it would put Chelsea smack bang in the title race.