Enzo Maresca believes that Chelsea are not yet prepared to challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League crown, despite their strong start to the season.Currently sitting fourth in the league table, the Blues have been impressive under the Italian manager, scoring 15 goals in their six matches.Cole Palmer, who netted four goals in the first half of last week’s game against Brighton, has emerged as one of the standout players in the Premier League.Maresca showcased Chelsea’s impressive squad depth by rotating his starting eleven completely in Thursday’s 4-2 Europa Conference League victory over Gent.”I like to be focused on the things that I can control.” Enzo Maresca says he ‘doesn’t care’ about the outside noise around the club as he focuses on his team 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hLsACpoD3c— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 4, 2024 However, despite three months of steady progress, the former Leicester City manager downplayed the idea that Chelsea are ready to mount a serious title challenge, dismissing comparisons with top teams like City and Arsenal.”I really don’t think we can compete with City and Arsenal,” he said. “I really think that, because we are not ready.”The reason why is that City are working with the same manager for nine years, Arsenal for five years. It’s something that if you want to compete for important things, you need that time.”Chelsea will face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, hoping to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League win.The atmosphere at the club has significantly improved since Forest’s last visit to Stamford Bridge, where they inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Chelsea during a rough patch in a season that saw the Blues finish sixth after a late surge.ECL: Chelsea continue their scoring spree even in EuropeAfter two years of heavy spending, Chelsea’s massive squad has delivered mixed results, but recent performances suggest that they may be turning a corner.”When you win games it always creates energy, trust, confidence,” said Maresca. “It’s helping the process.”But the players are the first to recognise when the team plays well or not. The results are helping but they are convinced because they can see clearly the purpose and identity we have.”ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 7Saturday 14.30: (6.00) Crystal Palace (4.10) Liverpool (1.55)17.00: (1.15) Arsenal (8.00) Southampton (16.0)17.00: (2.10) Brentford (3.50) Wolverhampton (3.80)17.00: (3.35) Leicester (3.50) Bournemouth (2.25)17.00: (1.28) Man.City (6.75) Fulham (10.5)17.00: (1.85) West Ham (3.60) Ipswich (4.30)19.30: (3.20) Everton (3.50) Newcastle (2.20)Sunday 16.00: (2.25) Aston Villa (3.50) Man.Utd. (3.10)16.00: (1.47) Chelsea (4.40) Nott.Forest (6.75)18.30: (3.05) Brighton (3.70) Tottenham (2.35)***odds are subject to change***
