Manager Enzo Maresca admitted Sunday’s clash with Arsenal was a “huge moment” in Chelsea’s season, but warned his side were “getting better and better”.
Maresca’s side go into the game at Stamford Bridge six points clear of Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders, knowing a win could halve the gap.
After a big win against Barcelona in the Champions League, there is no time to think ahead of this potentially season-defining game.
“This is a big moment,” the Chelsea manager told Sky Sports.
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“Especially because it’s a derby. They’re Arsenal and they’re in good form.
“They are very good defensively, and they are great players offensively as well. They have a lot of different weapons, not just set-pieces, because everyone is talking about set-pieces and not just set-pieces.
“They have players who can always decide the game. They are very good on the ball and off the ball.
“But we’re doing well too. Every game is different. I hope we can play well and win.”
Sunday, November 30th 4:25pm
4:30pm kickoff
Many feared that Chelsea would struggle after a busy summer that saw them complete an already successful campaign with a top-four finish and the UEFA Conference League title, as well as reaching the FIFA Club World Cup, but Maresca managed to stay in the title race in the early stages.
The extra time spent together seems to have only strengthened the cohesiveness within the camp, but the Italian still doesn’t know exactly where his team ranks compared to other top teams.
“I certainly think we’re better than last season,” he said. “The reason is that we have already spent another year together.
“I honestly don’t know where we are right now. What we do know is that we’re moving in the right direction and we’re playing against every team every game.”
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Kaveh Solgekor explains why Chelsea have ‘no expectations’ of winning the Premier League this season
Sky Sports News’ chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol has revealed that Chelsea have no expectations of winning the title this season, despite going into Sunday’s game as Arsenal’s favorite challengers.
While that may be true, the confidence within the team has allowed Maresca to believe his team can beat anyone that stands in front of it.
“Winning last season and finishing in the top four helped them a lot in terms of confidence, energy and belief because they know they can do whatever it takes to win any game,” he added.
“It helped us a lot last season and I think you can see us getting better and better this season.”
Arteta refuses title talks
Mikel Arteta refuses to be drawn into Paul Merson’s comments on whether Arsenal are in pole position in the Premier League
Meanwhile, Arteta believes his side remain on their toes as they face the possibility of a nine-point lead over Chelsea.
Paul Merson has claimed Arsenal will lose the Premier League, but the Gunners manager has shut down the noise.
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Paul Merson reacts to ‘statement’ of Arsenal’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich
“I’m confident in what we’ve done and what we can control,” Arteta said.
“This is football and now we have to show what we are capable of every day.”
A major reason why Arsenal were unable to end their league title drought last season is believed to be the fitness issues that plagued Arteta’s side, particularly in the first half of the season.
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Arteta has already had to deal with a number of injuries this season, with Gabriel also sidelined in recent days.
Similar situations have occurred in recent weeks, with the likes of Gabriel, Martin Odegaard and Viktor Gökeres also sidelined.
But the Gunners have coped much better this time around, with Arteta believing the depth of the squad is the biggest difference this time around.
“There were moments last year where we had 14, 13 athletes competing, and it was very difficult,” he said.
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“We now have more depth and better quality, which is what we needed.”
However, it’s not just quality that the league leaders bring to the table. It’s mental and Arteta says he’s in the best shape he’s ever been in.
“If we are all here with the same purpose, which is to do everything we can to bring success, joy and trophies to this football club, then we all have to be in the same boat.
“There are going to be moments and roles that will change for all of us, and the better we understand that, the more we look out for each other and the more we focus on our work, the more effectively we will be able to work.
“We’ve seen plenty of examples of players coming in and winning games for us, but only if your mindset and clarity about it is great.”
