Enzo Maresca has no doubt a statement win is on the horizon for his Chelsea team, whether that comes against Arsenal on Sunday or further down the line.
Maresca’s side has started the season excellently. Ahead of the final round of fixtures before November’s international break, we lie in fourth place in the Premier League and top the standings in the UEFA Conference League.
The one thing missing so far is a victory against any of the other established top six, with last weekend’s draw against Manchester United following defeats to Liverpool and Man City. The visit of Arsenal provides the next opportunity to land a significant blow against one of the league’s best.
‘For sure I would like to win this kind of game, but since we started I’ve always said the same thing: I analyse the result, but first I analyse the performance,’ Maresca stated.
‘Do you think we deserved to lose against Liverpool? Me neither, but it’s football. Now, hopefully, we can win on Sunday but in the Premier League, it’s difficult to win against any team.
‘For sure, if I can decide, then I want to win against Arsenal. No doubt. But Liverpool away, the performance was good and we didn’t deserve to lose. Even against City [on the opening weekend]the good thing is we are there and you can’t see a big difference when we play in this kind of game. This is the most important thing.
‘I don’t know if it will be Sunday or the next game, but for sure we will be there and win this kind of game. No doubt.’
Arsenal come to Stamford Bridge fresh from a 1-0 loss away to Inter Milan, and without a win in three Premier League games.
Despite their indifferent form – a rarity in recent times – Maresca explained why he believes they are still the second best team in the country.
‘For me, they are closest to City, and I consider them better than the rest. The reason why is one club is working with the same manager for nine years and the other is working with the same manager for five years.
‘This is a huge advantage compared to the rest and it’s why in this moment they are better than the rest, but we will try on Sunday to make life difficult for them. We will try to play our game, and prepare in the best way we can. We are going to try our best.’
Maresca will be confident that is enough to secure three more Premier League points.
