‘No big difference between us and Arsenal!’ Enzo Maresca after Chelsea suffer London derby setback

Enzo Maresca believes there is ‘no big difference’ between Chelsea and Arsenal despite the Blues suffering a setback to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League at Emirates Stadium.

Makeshift striker Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game in an uneventful afternoon, with both teams missing key attacking players.

Cole Palmer will need a scan on a muscular issue, Maresca revealed post match while suggesting the gap between the two London club’s isn’t very big at all.

Asked whether there maybe a lack of belief from Chelsea in big games, Maresca responded: “If the results say that. What I can say between the first game against Arsenal and today’s game, to be honest, I don’t see a big difference between us and them.

“This means we are, for me, since I arrived, I have the feeling we are on the right path and we are very close. We need just that step forward to compete in these kind of games. That step comes finishing in the top four, top five, Champions League spot.

“First of all we are going to try and win games away. At the moment, we are winning games at home and we are going to try and do the same away.

“At the beginning of the season, we were winning games away and struggled at home. Now it’s the other side. We are there, for sure, we need to improve away but overall I think we are good.”

And on Palmer’s issue, Maresca explained: “We don’t wish players injured but in Cole’s case, in this moment, it will give him some rest physically and mentally. It could be good.

“He needs a scan and the scan is planned for tomorrow. It’s not just about one player. When I say we cannot rely on Cole, it’s correct to say because you cannot rely on one player. It’s about the team and don’t give too much pressure on Cole.”

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