Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that he initially saw Chelsea as potential Premier League title challengers this season.
The two teams are set to face off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday at 13:30 GMT. Currently, Arsenal sit in second place, while Chelsea trail them by six points in fourth.
However, catching league leaders Liverpool seems highly unlikely. The Reds hold a commanding 15-point lead at the top, having played one more match than their rivals.
For Arsenal and Chelsea, the more realistic goal now is securing a spot in next season’s Champions League. With fifth place potentially enough to qualify, both teams will be aiming to solidify their positions. Arsenal also have a crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid ahead.
Despite Chelsea’s current standing, Arteta revealed that he had higher expectations for them under manager Enzo Maresca.
“From the moment I watched them play in pre-season, understanding how Enzo works and the talent they have in the squad, they were contenders to even win it from the beginning,” Arteta stated.
“They have so much there. The moment that everything lies together and they find that connection, energy and consistency, I think they can compete with any team.”
In December, Chelsea briefly appeared to be Liverpool’s closest challengers. A five-match winning streak brought them within two points of the top spot.
Since then, however, their form has dipped significantly. They have managed only four wins in their last 12 games, with defensive weaknesses becoming a recurring issue.
Chelsea’s style of play and ongoing struggles have drawn criticism from their fans, but Arteta remains confident in Maresca’s abilities.
“He’s a magnificent coach,” Arteta remarked. “He’s very clear what he wants to do, he’s been very clear what he wants and how he does it. I really like the way his team plays.”
Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss also spoke about defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, who recently earned his first England call-up in Thomas Tuchel’s debut squad.
Arteta highlighted the 18-year-old’s promise, recalling his performances during Arsenal’s pre-season tour in the United States.
“You see the talent,” Arteta said of Lewis-Skelly, who only made his senior debut in September.
“You see how they react to certain stimulus or challenges. Then you start to think we’ve got a player here – but then you have to do it. I was very impressed with him in the States when he came on against Liverpool as a sub.
“His consistency, his habits and the way he trains every single day, give you the right reasons all the time to consider him. The best way to talk is on the pitch, for any player.”
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