"I Don’t See a Big Difference Between Us and Them" – Enzo Maresca Downplays Gap Between Chelsea and Arsenal After Defeat

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca remains confident in his team’s progress, despite their 1-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on March 16. The defeat was a setback in Chelsea’s push for a Champions League spot, but Maresca believes they are not far behind their London rivals.

Arsenal secured all three points thanks to a first-half goal from Mikel Merino, who headed in a Martin Odegaard corner. While Chelsea put up a fight, they couldn’t find an equalizer.

Speaking after the match, Maresca dismissed any major gap in quality between the two teams. He told Hayters:

“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, for me, since I arrived, I have the feeling we are on the right path and we are very close.”

The Chelsea manager believes his team needs just one more step to truly compete at the highest level.

“We need just that step forward to compete in these kinds of games. That step comes with finishing in the top four, top five, and securing a Champions League spot.”

Maresca also addressed Chelsea’s inconsistent form this season, particularly their struggles away from home.

“At the beginning of the season, we were winning games away and struggling 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.”

Chelsea presently sit in the top four with 49 points from 29 games. However, they face severe competition, with teams like Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Brighton trailing them closely.