Maresca on Arsenal, Chelsea’s progress, and closing the 6-point gap

Enzo Maresca has admitted that Chelsea are still significantly behind Arsenal in their development under Mikel Arteta, but believes his team can make up ground in the race for second place with a victory at the Emirates Stadium.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Ben White celebrates scoring his team's second goal with Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Chelsea were humiliated 5-0 by Arsenal in this fixture last season under Mauricio Pochettino, a result that contributed to yet another managerial change at Stamford Bridge.

Despite Pochettino leading Chelsea into European football with a strong finish, the club opted for a new direction, appointing Maresca to close the gap on their London rivals.

“The gap? It’s quite big,” Maresca said of Arsenal’s progress under Arteta.

“The reason why is because they are working with the same manager for five years, so the difference is quite important. With the same players, they have already played some important games.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal speaks with Raheem Sterling of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

“Our target, our duty, is to close that gap between us and them. The table says the difference is six points, so we are quite close, but we still have 10 games to go.”

A Chelsea victory on Sunday would cut the deficit to just three points, while extending their winning streak to five games in all competitions.

“Second? It could be a target, for sure,” Maresca acknowledged. “It’s our duty to do our best, but the target for us is Sunday’s game. And then game after game to see how we can go close.”

Both sides enter the match with major attacking concerns.

Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka, while Chelsea continue to struggle with the absence of Nicolas Jackson and an overreliance on Cole Palmer, who is on a run of 10 games without a goal.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Chelsea's Cole Palmer during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on November 03, 2024. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) — Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

“It’s quite strange for both because we have all of them injured,” Maresca said. “They are trying to find a solution, we are trying to find a solution at the same time.”

With both clubs expected to invest in a new striker this summer, Sunday’s meeting at the Emirates will provide an opportunity to see how each side adapts in the absence of their attacking focal points.

Topics

Mikel Arteta reveals why he thinks Enzo Maresca is a “magnificent coach”

Chelsea face a big game against Arsenal on Sunday and Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Enzo Maresca in the build-up.The Blues head to the Emirates looking for a first win against Arsenal ...
Yahoo Sports - 12h
Chelsea can be flexible, says Maresca

Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea will be allowed to break from his rigid tactics if they need to win Sunday's vital London derby against Arsenal.Maresca revealed error-prone keeper Robert Sanchez is ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Maresca on 'big gap' between Chelsea and Arsenal, Palmer and titles

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has spoken to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Arsenal (kick-off 13:30 GMT). Maresca expects Arsenal to play the game with a high press and to be ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
(Video): Enzo Maresca praises January transfer in training session and has comment for Lavia

We love the Chelsea training videos and seeing what we can glean from them ahead of big games like our one against Arsenal tomorrow.They’re never going to give too much away about what they’re pre...
Yahoo Sports - 2h
Arteta expected Chelsea to be title 'contenders'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he expected Chelsea to be "contenders" to win the Premier League this season.
Yahoo Sports - 22h
Arteta expected Chelsea to be title 'contenders'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he expected Chelsea to be "contenders" to win the Premier League this season.
BBC News - 22h
Mikel Arteta Confirms Saka’s Progress as Arsenal Target Champions League Glory

Bukayo Saka’s Recovery Progress: Arsenal Star Targets Champions League ReturnSaka’s Rehabilitation Gains MomentumMikel Arteta has provided a positive update on Bukayo Saka’s recovery, confirming...
Yahoo Sports - 5h
The Athletic detail Chelsea’s plan for key area in Enzo Maresca’s system

Wingers are very important in Enzo Maresca’s system and Chelsea want five for two positions according to The Athletic.The Blues completed the shock signing of Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon on ...
Yahoo Sports - 6h
‘I don’t want to say that’: Arteta refuses to give up on title despite United draw

Arsenal 15 points behind Liverpool with game in hand ‘Today the frustration is that we haven’t won’ Mikel Arteta has refused to concede the title race is over, despite Arsenal languishing 15 ...
The Guardian - 5d