Chelsea is once again a team to be reckoned with. Under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, The Blues have even become the main challenger to Liverpool, who are leading the Premier League table. 'No one seems frustrated, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and wants to play.'
Embed from Getty Images
On Sunday, Brentford became the latest team to fall at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea's resurgence under Enzo Maresca continued with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Thomas Frank's side, known for its resilience and ability to frustrate top clubs, fought bravely but ultimately fell short as Chelsea’s energy, structure, and determination proved too much. The result marked another significant step forward for Maresca’s team, as they closed the gap to just two points behind league leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. Beyond that, Chelsea’s lead over Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City has grown steadily in recent weeks, a testament to their recent dominance and consistency.
The turnaround at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca has been nothing short of remarkable. At the start of the season, there were lingering questions about whether the squad could gel, particularly after a chaotic summer that saw heavy recruitment and reports of a bloated squad exceeding thirty players. Those concerns have been systematically silenced by the Italian manager, who has brought structure and stability to a club that had struggled to rediscover its identity in recent years. Former Chelsea player Joe Cole spoke to TNT Sports about Maresca's influence, describing him as the standout manager of the season so far. For Cole, Maresca’s ability to navigate the challenges of managing such a large and diverse group of players while simultaneously embedding his tactical vision has been exceptional. Cole pointed out that managing expectations, integrating new signings, and dealing with fringe players are among the most difficult tasks for any coach, yet Maresca has handled them with skill and calm authority.
Maresca’s Chelsea have evolved into a team with a clear tactical identity. Playing with a blend of possession-based football and high-intensity pressing, Chelsea’s performances have been both efficient and entertaining. Since late September, their results have improved significantly, not only domestically but also on the European stage, where they have been flawless. Players such as Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, once considered gambles, are thriving under Maresca’s tutelage, while others like Moisés Caicedo have cemented their roles as key figures in the squad. The manager’s ability to utilize his deep bench has been crucial, rotating effectively without compromising on performance. Cole noted that if Chelsea can keep pace with Liverpool into January, staying within four points of the leaders, they will firmly establish themselves as title contenders.
Peter Crouch echoed Cole’s sentiments, praising Maresca for his handling of the squad and the atmosphere he has fostered at Chelsea. Crouch observed that at the beginning of the season, the Italian made bold but necessary decisions to offload players who no longer fit into his plans, a task that can destabilize a team if handled poorly. Instead, Maresca navigated it brilliantly, bringing unity and focus to the group. Crouch emphasized that the players now look happy, motivated, and eager to perform, which has been a rare sight at Chelsea in recent years. For him, this cultural shift is as significant as the results themselves. The harmony within the squad is evident in the team’s fluid performances on the pitch, where frustration and inconsistency have been replaced by confidence and enjoyment.
Despite Chelsea’s success, Crouch also highlighted the contributions of Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, who has seamlessly transitioned into his role at Anfield. Slot himself recently acknowledged Chelsea’s form, admitting that while his focus remains on Liverpool, Chelsea’s performances this season have been undeniably impressive. With Liverpool leading the league and Chelsea hot on their heels, the stage is set for a thrilling title race in the second half of the season.
Looking ahead, Chelsea face another critical test on Sunday when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton. Goodison has traditionally been a difficult place to secure points, with Everton’s physicality and defensive resilience posing a challenge to any visiting team. How Chelsea navigate these tricky away fixtures will be key in determining their ability to sustain their title challenge. Meanwhile, Liverpool will visit Tottenham Hotspur, another team with the quality to disrupt their momentum at the top of the table.
As the season progresses, Chelsea’s transformation under Enzo Maresca is becoming one of the defining stories of the Premier League. What began as a season of questions and uncertainty has turned into one of promise and ambition. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge has shifted dramatically; fans who were once frustrated now have reason to believe that their team is on the verge of something special. Chelsea’s consistency, tactical discipline, and newfound resilience make them one of the most dangerous sides in the league, capable of taking on anyone. If Maresca can maintain this upward trajectory, keeping his squad fit and focused through the demanding winter schedule, Chelsea’s dream of a return to the top of English football may well become a reality. With Liverpool still leading the pack but looking over their shoulders, the title race is beginning to take shape, and Chelsea are proving that they belong firmly in the conversation.
