💙🏟️Enzo Maresca’s assessment is off the mark: Chelsea have proven themselves prepared to compete for prestigious titles. Their recent performances demonstrate a rejuvenated squad with the determination, depth, and tactical precision necessary to challenge for top honors in both domestic and international competitions.

Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, summed up Chelsea’s transformation this season with the words, “Chelsea showed today that this year is different. They are stronger. They don’t have doubts like last year.” These remarks came after his team suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat to the Blues on Sunday afternoon—a result that showcased just how far Chelsea have come under their new leadership.

Chelsea’s victory was powered by goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer, continuing what has been an impressive start to Enzo Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge. The Italian manager’s appointment initially faced skepticism, particularly after the team’s improved form during Mauricio Pochettino’s short stint at the end of the 2023-24 season. Additionally, Chelsea’s pre-season struggles during their tour of the United States only added to doubts about Maresca’s ability to guide the club forward.

However, Maresca has silenced critics by introducing a dynamic and cohesive style of play that has elevated Chelsea from last season’s mediocrity to genuine title contenders. While Liverpool maintain a commanding nine-point lead at the summit of the Premier League, Chelsea find themselves sitting third in the table. They are level on points with Mikel Arteta’s resurgent Arsenal and two points clear of Manchester City, who seem to be struggling for form.

Despite Chelsea’s resurgence, Maresca has been cautious in addressing title talks, consistently downplaying the idea that his squad is ready to compete with Premier League heavyweights like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. However, his squad’s performances suggest otherwise. Chelsea possess one of the most formidable rosters in the league, and they’re beginning to re-establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in English football. While they may not yet have returned to the dominance seen during the Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, or Thomas Tuchel eras, the Blues are undoubtedly on an upward trajectory.

Players like Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Moises Caicedo have played pivotal roles in this turnaround. Palmer, despite a dip in form recently, ended his goal drought with a superb strike against Villa. Jackson is emerging as one of the Premier League’s most in-form strikers, while Caicedo has cemented his reputation as one of the finest midfielders in the game. Chelsea’s squad depth is also impressive, leaving them well-equipped to navigate the demanding winter fixture list.

The Europa Conference League seems Chelsea’s for the taking, and although Liverpool remain firm favorites to claim the Premier League title, the Blues are in an excellent position to capitalize on any slip-ups by the Merseyside club. A key injury to Liverpool’s star performers, such as Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk, could significantly alter the title race, offering Chelsea a window of opportunity.

Following their comfortable victory over Villa, Maresca remained grounded, telling reporters, “We are not ready to compete with Liverpool, Arsenal, and City for many reasons. Just because we won today, I’m not going to change my idea. We’re not ready for that. But the good thing is that we are improving, and hopefully, very soon, we can be there.” He acknowledged that the lack of big-game experience among his players was a gap that needed bridging, but he expressed optimism about the team’s progress, emphasizing, “We’re going to be there soon, but it’s the reason we are still far away and not yet ready to compete.”

While Maresca may temper expectations, Chelsea’s performances this season speak volumes. They have suffered only four losses in 21 matches across all competitions, and each of those defeats could have been avoided. Their opening-day loss to Manchester City came down to fine margins, while their narrow defeat to Liverpool was a closely contested affair. Similarly, defensive lapses cost them in games against Servette and Newcastle United, despite Chelsea dominating large portions of both matches.

What’s evident is that Chelsea are no longer overawed when facing the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, or Manchester City. While they haven’t consistently secured results against the league’s top teams, they’ve proven capable of competing with them on equal footing. A full-blown title challenge might still be out of reach this season, particularly given the relentless form of Liverpool, but Chelsea’s resurgence places them firmly back among the elite clubs in the Premier League.

With a youthful squad brimming with talent and a manager whose tactics seem tailor-made for success, Chelsea have finally rediscovered their identity. Maresca’s appointment appears to have been a masterstroke, and the Blues are poised to achieve great things in the near future. While the journey to reclaiming past glories may not yet be complete, one thing is abundantly clear: Chelsea are back, and they mean business.