Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has voiced his delight following the team’s composed performance in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal. The hard-fought match, where the Blues played much of the game with ten players, showcased significant progress under his leadership, according to the gaffer.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Maresca struggled to hide his satisfaction.
“The performance has been fantastic,” he stated. “We were a much better team than them 11 v 11. Playing with 10 players is difficult, but we dealt with it outstandingly.”
Maresca further elaborated on their tactical approach. “When both teams had eleven players, we were superior. We aimed to exploit the best solutions and spaces. We knew the space was available for Malo and Estevao on that side.”
Despite not securing a win, the Italian tactician remained positive. “Tonight, we can be happy even if we didn’t win.”
Maresca on Team Development and Future Targets
Even after Arsenal equalized, Maresca kept his focus on the broader picture. He emphasized that Chelsea’s development is now evident on the pitch, moving beyond mere theory.
“We are better than last season. We are closer,” he affirmed after the game. “We will assess our target in February or March. Then we will see where we stand.”
The manager expressed confidence in the team’s trajectory. “We showed we are heading in the right direction. I always say the same: the performance has been fantastic.”
Sunday’s result places Chelsea third in the Premier League standings after 13 matches. They currently sit six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
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