Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca believes his side will face one of their toughest tests of the season when they welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge in Sunday’s Premier League showdown.
Softfootball understands that both London rivals head into the encounter aiming to strengthen their top-four ambitions while keeping pace in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal regarded by many as slight favourites despite Chelsea enjoying home advantage.
Maresca said his team have prepared specifically for the challenge, stressing that Chelsea approach every opponent differently in a bid to find the right balance between attack and defence.
The Italian tactician described Arsenal as the team closest to Manchester City in terms of quality, but insisted Chelsea will stick to their own style of play and look to secure all three points.
Maresca also maintained that performances remain just as important as results, pointing to Chelsea’s displays against Liverpool and Manchester City, which he believes deserved better outcomes.
He added that while victories in big matches are important, the encouraging sign is that Chelsea are now competing on equal terms with the league’s strongest sides.
The former Leicester City boss expressed confidence that it is only a matter of time before Chelsea begin turning those impressive performances into victories against the Premier League’s top teams.
