Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that he originally anticipated Chelsea to be strong contenders for the Premier League title this season. The two teams are set to clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (13:30 GMT), with the Gunners currently in second place and the Blues trailing in fourth, six points behind.
Read Also...:
Thomas equals Sawgrass record as McIlroy two off lead
03-15, 2025
Challenge Cup: St Helens, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils through to last eight
03-15, 2025
Inothewayurthinkin wins Cheltenham Gold Cup
03-15, 2025
Thomas Tuchel: England boss says he must earn right to sing national anthem
03-15, 2025However, the likelihood of either Arsenal or Chelsea catching league leaders Liverpool seems slim, with Liverpool holding a 15-point lead with a game in hand. For Arsenal and Chelsea, a realistic goal appears to be securing a Champions League spot for next season, with fifth place now also looking likely to qualify. The Gunners will also face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of Europe's top club competition this season.
But Arteta suggested that he had expected more from Chelsea under the management of Enzo Maresca. "Starting from what I watched from them in pre-season, understanding what Enzo was trying to do and the talent they have in the squad, they were contenders right from the beginning," the Spaniard said. "They have so much potential. Once everything clicks together and they find that connection, that energy and consistency, I think they are going to be a team that can compete with anybody."
Chelsea briefly looked like Liverpool's closest challengers in December when they went on a five-game winning streak, closing the gap to just two points. However, they have only managed four wins in 12 games since then, exposing some vulnerabilities, particularly in defense. Despite criticism from their own fans regarding Chelsea's style of play and recurring issues, Arteta backs former Leicester City boss Maresca to turn things around. "He is an outstanding coach," Arteta added. "He is very clear about what he wants to do, and he has been very clear about his objectives and how to achieve them. I really like the way his teams play."
Meanwhile, Arteta indicated that defender Myles Lewis-Skelly showcased his potential during the club's pre-season tour of the United States. The 18-year-old only made his senior debut in September. "You can see the talent," he said. "You can see how they react to certain stimuli or challenges. Then you start to think we have a player here – but then you have to do it. He came on against Liverpool in the USA and really impressed me. His consistency, his habits and how he trains every single day, always gives you every reason to think about him. The best way for any player to express themselves is on the field."
