Arteta Expected Chelsea to Challenge for the Title

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he anticipated Chelsea to be serious contenders for the Premier League title this season, despite their inconsistent form. The two London giants are set to clash at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday, with Arsenal currently holding the second spot in the league table and Chelsea trailing by six points in fourth place.

The Current Landscape of the Premier League

The gap to league leaders Liverpool, who are 15 points clear at the top, seems almost insurmountable for both teams. However, the focus for Arsenal and Chelsea has shifted to securing a place in next season's Champions League, with the fifth position likely to be sufficient for qualification. Meanwhile, Arsenal will also be battling Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League this season.

Arteta emphasized that he had high expectations for Chelsea under the guidance of 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 said. He added, “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.”

Chelsea's Rocky Journey

Chelsea had a promising start to the season, briefly positioning themselves as Liverpool's closest challengers in December after a five-game winning streak. However, their form has dipped significantly since then, managing only four victories in their last 12 matches. Defensive frailties have been a recurring issue, drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Despite the challenges, Arteta remains supportive of Maresca. “He's a magnificent coach,” Arteta said. “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.”

Rising Stars and Future Prospects

Arteta also took the opportunity to highlight Arsenal’s young defender, Myles Lewis-Skelly, who received his first England call-up recently. “You see the talent,” Arteta remarked about the 18-year-old. “You see how they react to certain stimuli 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.”

Arteta added that Lewis-Skelly’s consistent performance in training and on the pitch has made a strong case for his inclusion in the team. “The best way to talk is on the pitch, for any player,” he concluded.

Looking Ahead

As Arsenal and Chelsea prepare for their crucial encounter, both teams will be aiming to solidify their positions in the Premier League table. While the title race may be out of reach for now, the battle for Champions League spots remains fiercely competitive. Arteta’s belief in Chelsea’s potential underscores the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can change with just a few key performances.