Maresca dismisses talk of Chelsea title challenge
Enzo Maresca insisted that it's too early for Chelsea to be thinking about the Premier League title race ahead of its massive clash with league leader Arsenal on Monday (AEDT).
The Blues, who are currently second in the league, could move within three points of the Gunners should they win at Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea has won just one of its past 11 Premier League games against Arsenal, losing seven and drawing three in that run, and it is winless in seven since a 2-0 win at Emirates Stadium in August 2021.
However, Chelsea has been boosted by the return of Cole Palmer, who was declared fit to start by Maresca on Saturday (AEDT).
The Italian coach believes Chelsea can be included in the title race if still holds its position in February, but for now, it is just focused on Mikel Arteta's Arsenal team.
"It's too early in any case if we win or don't win [against Arsenal]," Maresca said. "It's November, there's five or six months to go.
"It's important where we are [in the table] in February and March, and we'll see if we can achieve something important.
"It's another big game. We finished the one against Barca with a good feeling. If it's bigger than the last one, I don't know. For me, they're all important.
"It's a nice feeling, but it's three points. Then we have Leeds, which is three points in the same way."
Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice have made plenty of headlines before the London derby, with the two midfielders both receiving Ballon d'Or shouts.
Maresca praised both players, but believes their battle will not define the outcome of the match.
"The Premier League is full of good players, very good midfielders," Maresca added. "Moi, Declan, [Bruno] Guimaraes, Rodri. Full of very good midfielders.
"It's a big part of the game but it's not the only one. It's 11 v 11. It's just one part of the picture."
