Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he came into the season believing Sunday’s opponents Chelsea could win the Premier League.
Six points separate the teams ahead of the meeting at the Emirates with the visitors having significantly narrowed the gap since their 5-0 defeat in this fixture 11 months ago.
That left the side managed by Mauricio Pochettino in ninth place while Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of table in what proved to be a nail-biting race for the title with Manchester City.
💬 “There’s a lot of individual quality on that pitch so it’s about imposing what you want and the direction that you want to take the game.”
Mikel on Sunday’s match up in N5 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 14, 2025
This campaign has brought different fortunes for both teams. Arteta’s second-placed Gunners have all but conceded the title to runaway leaders Liverpool while Chelsea have made strides under Enzo Maresca and could end the weekend in third should results go their way.
The aim for both clubs is to ensure their place in next season’s Champions League, with fifth place almost certain to be sufficient.
But Arteta suggested he had expected greater things from Chelsea under 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,” he said. “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.”
Despite improving their league position, Chelsea have continued to underwhelm this season as their youth-focused recruitment policy yields mixed results.
They briefly looked like being the closest challengers to Liverpool in December when they moved to within two points of top spot following a five-game winning run, but there have been just four victories in 12 games since as familiar frailties have emerged.
Supporters have been highly critical in recent matches of Chelsea’s style of play but Maresca has insisted that the players must continue to follow his instructions even if it means a negative response from fans.
Arteta backed the former Leicester boss to come good with his methods.
“He’s a magnificent coach,” he 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.”
💬 “I’m very proud of him. It’s a huge moment for him and for the club as well.”
Mikel Arteta reacts to Myles Lewis-Skelly receiving his first call-up to England’s senior team ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 14, 2025
Arteta said that defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, who received his first England call-up on Friday as Thomas Tuchel named his first squad, showed his potential as far back as the club’s pre-season United States tour.
“You see the talent,” he said of the 18-year-old, 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, given you the right reasons all the time to consider him. The best way to talk is on the pitch, for any player.”
