[Getty Images]Nizaar Kinsella - Chelsea reporterFri, November 28, 2025 at 10:23 AM UTC·1 min readTwelve months ago, Chelsea manager said his side were "not ready" to win the Premier League.
The Italian was ultimately proven right as his side - the youngest team in the league's history - had to battle to qualify for the Champions League through a top-five finish on the final day.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUltimately, the Blues finished 15 points behind champions Liverpool but that was their smallest gap to first place since they last won the Premier League in 2017.
It highlights both the club's improvement under Maresca and how far they have been from winning the title since Antonio Conte's reign.
There is no doubt Maresca will likely face questions about whether his team can challenge league leaders Arsenal this season in Friday's news conference.
Maresca was criticised for downplaying his team's chances last season but, again, the club target is to finish in the top four and not compete for the league title this year.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStill, Sunday's match promises to be a blockbuster as second-placed Chelsea host the league leaders and can cut the gap to three points.
Other items on the agenda today could include:
Cole Palmer's toe injury and whether he can return
The magic of Estevao Willian
Set-pieces and how to stop Mikel Arteta's side
The return of Noni Madueke to Stamford Bridge
