Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has said he expected Chelsea to be Premier League title “contenders” this season.
The two teams meet this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners currently second in the table and the Blues six points behind in fourth place.
However, the prospect of either Arsenal or Chelsea catching leaders Liverpool, who are 15 points clear at the top, are very slim.
The realistic aim now for both London teams is to ensure they finish in Champions League spots.
But Arteta has claimed he expected more from Chelsea under Enzo Maresca this term.
“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 was quoted on BBC Sport.
“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.”
