Maresca insists Chelsea not in Premier League title race

Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea are not in the Premier League title race despite their impressive start to the season.

The Blues are unbeaten in their last four league matches, including a 2-1 win over Maresca's former side Leicester City last weekend.

However, they have struggled at times at home this season, with just 41% of their Premier League points coming at home (9/22), the lowest ratio of any side so far this season.

However, Chelsea are third ahead of this weekend's games with 22 points, nine behind leaders Liverpool, but just one behind reigning champions Manchester City.

Despite their high position in the table, Maresca played down hopes of Chelsea winning the Premier League trophy in his first season.

“No [Chelsea are not in the title race]“I've said it many times,” Maresca said. 'I really like the pressure.

“I'd like to say, 'Yes, we're there' – but we're not.

“It's nice to see the team improving, that's important; it's fun, a good feeling.

There's so much to look forward to this weekend, starting with a trip to the south coast today!

@OfficialBHAFC vs @SouthamptonFC pic.twitter.com/7tpqiJAVca

– Premier League (@premierleague) November 29, 2024

“At the same time, you have to be realistic and see the difference between us and the rest at the moment.

“This doesn't mean that we won't win games and fight until the end, but the main focus should be on the feeling that we are improving game after game.

“Arsenal has been together for five years [with manager Mikel Arteta]City together for more than eight years [under Pep Guardiola]. Liverpool is a little different, but they haven't made many changes from the past.

“This is why. It's not about points or difference in rankings, it's just about time together.”

Chelsea will play Aston Villa in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.