Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed confidence in the progress his side has made, insisting the team has grown stronger compared to last season and is now competing with far greater purpose.
Speaking after Chelsea’s 1–1 draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the Italian coach said he believes the club is gradually closing the gap in the Premier League title chase.
Maresca noted that while the season is still developing, the strides made by his players are clear in both their approach and execution. He explained that the group is beginning to reflect the identity he has been working to shape, adding that consistency will be the key factor as the months ahead unfold.
Chelsea had taken the lead through Trevor Chalobah, whose well-timed finish rewarded the hosts for their early control. Arsenal later responded through a strike attributed to Mikel Arteta’s side, bringing the contest level and ensuring the points were shared.
Though the match ended without a winner, Maresca chose to focus on the quality shown by his players throughout the contest, especially their composure, movement, and ability to respond to pressure.
After the game, he stressed that the team’s development can only be fully judged later in the campaign. According to him, the period between February and March will offer a clearer picture of how far the squad has come and what goals can be set realistically for the final stretch of the season. Until then, the manager encouraged patience while highlighting the steady rise in performance levels.
Maresca praised his players for delivering what he described as an excellent overall display, pointing to collective effort as the foundation for their improvement.
He said the squad is embracing the demands placed upon them and showing greater understanding of his methods with each fixture.
The draw leaves Chelsea sitting third on the Premier League table after 13 matches, six points behind leaders Arsenal. Though not the result the home fans hoped for, the performance added weight to Maresca’s belief that Chelsea are moving forward with more strength and confidence than in previous months.
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