Twelve months in the past, Chelsea supervisor stated his aspect have been “not prepared” to win the Premier League.
The Italian was finally confirmed proper as his aspect – the youngest staff within the league’s historical past – needed to battle to qualify for the Champions League by means of a top-five end on the ultimate day.
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In the end, the Blues completed 15 factors behind champions however that was their smallest hole to first place since they final gained the Premier League in 2017.
It highlights each the membership’s enchancment beneath Maresca and the way far they’ve been from successful the title since Antonio Conte’s reign.
There isn’t any doubt Maresca will probably face questions on whether or not his staff can problem league leaders this season in Friday’s information convention.
Maresca was criticised for downplaying his staff’s probabilities final season however, once more, the membership goal is to complete within the high 4 and never compete for the league title this yr.
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Nonetheless, Sunday’s match guarantees to be a blockbuster as second-placed Chelsea host the league leaders and might minimize the hole to a few factors.
Different gadgets on the agenda at this time might embrace:
Cole Palmer’s toe harm and whether or not he can return
The magic of Estevao Willian
Set-pieces and methods to cease Mikel Arteta’s aspect
The return of Noni Madueke to Stamford Bridge