Maresca is set to go up against a fellow Pep Guardiola disciple in Mikel Arteta in search of his first statement win since taking over from Pochettino in the summer. Chelsea have lost to Manchester City and Liverpool this season, and drew with Manchester United last weekend.
Even if Cole Palmer is not fit enough to start after missing training this week, Maresca insists they will give Arsenal a game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, sensing a big victory is overdue.
‘I don't know the last two years, what the feeling was,’ Maresca said ahead of taking on Arteta's wannabe champions. 'In this moment, the feeling from us is that we can compete, and we can win against any team.
The Blues lost 5-0 to Arsenal in April but are determined to prevail on this occasion
Maresca is hopeful that Cole Palmer will be able to feature against Arsenal after a knock
Maresca is hopeful that Cole Palmer will be able to feature against Arsenal after a knock
‘Arsenal is the closest one to the best team in England, that is City. I would like to win this kind of game. But since we started, I’ve always said the same – that for sure I analyse the result but first of all, I analyse the performance. And do you think we deserved to lose against Liverpool?
'It’s football. Hopefully we can win Sunday, we can win that kind of game. If I can decide, I would like to win against Arsenal, no doubt. But, also, Liverpool away, the performance was very good, we didn't deserve to lose. Even City. The good thing is that we are there.
‘We are there, and you cannot see a big difference when we play these kind of games. This is the most important thing. I don't have doubt if it's Sunday or if it's the next game but for sure, we're going be there and win this kind of game. No doubt.’
Asked if there is more pressure on Arsenal than Chelsea after their slump, Maresca said: ‘I don’t know. I also like to get pressure from these kinds of game. For sure, they are the closest one with City. Both, I consider them better than the rest.
'The reason why is because one club is working with the same manager for nine years, and the other one is working with the same manager for five years, and this is a big, big, big advantage compared to the rest. That's why they are better than the rest.
‘But we're going to try to make life difficult for them. Set pieces, they are very good. I watched the Champions League game against Inter Milan, and every corner was smelling of a goal. They are top on that, and we are going to try to deal with that in the best way.
‘We're going to try our best. That game (the 5-0 loss at Arsenal) was a big, huge defeat for us, for the club. Hopefully we can do something different.’
Cole Palmer, accompanied by the club’s security personnel, popped into the press room before Thursday’s 8-0 Conference League win over Noah to pick up a plate of chicken, potatoes and broccoli.
Chelsea hope their 22-year-old star man will be passed fit to face Arsenal, with Maresca saying: ‘He’s better. He’s getting better. If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn’t mean he is completely fit. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday and then we can take a decision
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