Arsenal's Arteta and Chelsea's Maresca Lock Horns in Heated Title Race War of Words Before Explosive London Derby
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has dismissed suggestions from Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca that the Blues should not be considered serious challengers for the Premier League crown.
This Sunday's pivotal London clash will witness table-toppers Arsenal travel to face a Chelsea team that has surged to second place in the Premier League table and is buoyed by their impressive 3-0 triumph over Barcelona during the week.
As they return to league competition, Chelsea will aim to narrow a six-point deficit against an Arsenal squad widely regarded as the frontrunners to claim the Premier League championship.
Maresca: Premature to Assess Chelsea's Title Credentials
Chelsea's objectives for the 2025-26 campaign are understood to be more modest—at least in public statements.
The Blues are focused on securing their position among the Premier League's elite four, rather than positioning themselves as immediate championship candidates, with Maresca maintaining his team shouldn't be regarded as serious title contenders just yet.
"It's premature regardless of whether we triumph or fall short [against Arsenal]," Maresca replied when questioned about Chelsea's championship aspirations. "We're in November, with five or six months remaining.
"What matters is our position [in the standings] come February and March, and we'll discover if we can accomplish something significant."
Maresca added: "It's another significant match. We concluded the Barcelona game with positive emotions. Whether it's more important than the previous one, I'm uncertain. For me, they all carry equal weight.
"It's a pleasant sensation, but it represents three points. Then we face Leeds, which offers three points in identical fashion.
"The attitude and atmosphere are excellent. We're performing well in both the Premier League and Champions League. It's encouraging to witness our development and progress. We require that environment, the supporters responding as they did [against Barcelona]. It's always wonderful to share those moments at the final whistle with everyone."
Arteta: Chelsea Merit Recognition As Championship Candidates
While Maresca sought to temper Chelsea's expectations, Arteta readily praised Arsenal's cross-town rivals by declaring the Blues have earned their position near the Premier League summit.
"I believe we're all present there, and they've earned their place through what they've accomplished over recent seasons," Arteta observed.
"I think the roster they've built, the depth they possess, the talent they have, the coaching staff they employ, it's logical that developments there are extremely positive and they've earned their standing."
Following Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Chelsea when these teams last met in March, Arteta labeled Maresca's squad as "the most potent offensive unit in the division," and he continues to hold Sunday's adversaries in high regard.
"They were [the finest last season], though this season's sample size remains limited, making it challenging to determine," Arteta commented when asked if he maintains his previous assessment.
"However, they represent one of the teams I find most entertaining to observe, possessing tremendous fluidity, numerous threats, and abundant individual skill. They understand their objectives clearly, which makes them formidable opponents."