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An ex-Arsenal player has played down Enzo Maresca’s title aspirations with Chelsea.
Former Arsenal player and pundit Paul Merson has weighed in on Chelsea's Premier League title chances.
Chelsea’s fine start under Enzo Maresca
Despite initial doubts, Enzo Maresca’s men have thrived in year one under the Italian manager, sitting second behind Liverpool after 14 games.
The Blues' latest victory came in a 5-1 thrashing of Southampton on Wednesday, seeing them cut the gap on Arne Slot's Liverpool to seven points.
Chelsea are tied with Arsenal and are two clear of defending champions Manchester City heading into gameweek 15's visit to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
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However, Merson does not expect the West London club to sustain a title push.
What Merson said
The pundit suggests that while Maresca possesses a strong squad, Chelsea’s results against top teams raise doubts about their ability to sustain a Premier League challenge.
The pundit stated that despite Chelsea's impressive 5-1 victory over Southampton, where they rested several key players, conceding good chances against 10 men, could be a cause for concern.
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“I wouldn't label Chelsea as genuine title contenders,” said Merson. “It's hard to call them that. They have a good squad, probably the strongest in the Premier League.
“But they played Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool this season and took just one point. That is why they are not contenders yet.
“The only thing that worries me with Chelsea is that they gave away a couple of really good chances to Southampton, even when they were only playing against 10 men.
“It does not take anything away from the fact that they won 5-1 while resting many of their key players.
“If Chelsea secure a top-four finish and win a trophy, this would become a phenomenal season for them.”
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15:18 - 05.12.2024
'Sack Poch again' - Chelsea fans celebrate as Maresca shatters title contenders' all-time scoring record
Chelsea have shattered their goals-to-game ratio in the Premier League under new manager Enzo Maresca.
What next for Chelsea?
Maresca’s team travel to inconsistent Tottenham on Sunday, keen to hold on to second place and possibly cut the gap from the top of the table with Liverpool travelling to Everton for the Merseyside derby a day before.
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