Billed as the biggest clash of the Premier League season so far, Chelsea vs Arsenal hasn’t become any less of a hot topic in the aftermath.
It was a game that Arsenal should have won, playing with an extra man for almost an hour.
Maresca gave an inspiring Chelsea team talk at the break that sent his players back out with the bit between their teeth.
Chelsea will be happy with a draw given the circumstances, but the game has wider implications than just another league outing.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Arsenal winger Noni Madueke
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Simon Jordan claims Chelsea’s project is catching up to Arsenal’s
This wasn’t an ordinary London derby. It was the first time in 20 years that Arsenal and Chelsea faced off as the top two in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s rise to title contention has resulted from six years of building under Mikel Arteta. And that’s where Jordan sees a difference to this Chelsea side.
Appearing on talkSPORT, he says: “Chelsea are where Arsenal were a year ago. And by the way, Arsenal are six years into a project, and Maresca two years into it. And Chelsea’s ownership of three and a half years.”
Jordan can come out with some pretty wild statements, but this is one of his more measured takes. Even in the buildup to Sunday’s clash, many were pointing out the difference in silverware in recent times.
Enzo Maresca head coach of Chelsea lifts the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Chelsea are reigning Club World Cup and Conference League champions under Maresca, and have also picked up a Champions League in the time since Arteta’s arrival.
While Arsenal — up to the start of this season — had stagnated somewhat with three second-place finishes in a row and no major trophies since an FA Cup during the Spaniard’s first season in charge.
The Gunners are getting all the plaudits for their form this season, but Chelsea’s project is catching up.
Jordan says Chelsea will be Arsenal’s main title challengers
The league feels wide open this season. Liverpool have fallen off a cliff in their attempt to defend the title, while Man City look inconsistent.
Arsenal have capitalised, stretching out their lead at the top, but the Blues aren’t far behind.
As Jordan puts it: “”What we’re seeing now, despite what we all envisage the season would look like, it looks to me like Chelsea are going to be the people that are going to perhaps push Arsenal.
“Liverpool are going to find themselves. Man City are not the same team as they were. They are a beatable side. So it’s Arsenal’s title and I think Chelsea will be the one that’s pushing them. So I’m not surprised it ended in a draw.”
Can Chelsea win the Premier League title this season?
If Chelsea can keep pace with their London rivals, they should be in the mix come May.
There’s a long way to go in the season, but that performance at Stamford Bridge could be the proof Maresca needed that a title challenge is possible.