Gap between Chelsea and Arsenal is ‘quite big’ – Enzo Maresca | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca insists the gap between Chelsea and Arsenal is “quite big” but that his team should not try to copy their London rivals.

Fourth-placed Chelsea travel to the Emirates on Sunday to face Mikel Arteta’s side who sit six points above them in the Premier League.

Maresca insisted he wants to focus on his team instead of second-placed Arsenal, but hopes to give fans more finals and the ability to fight for titles in the future.

“[The gap between Chelsea and Arsenal] is quite big,” he said. “The reason is because they have been working with the same manager for five years with the same players so the difference is quite important. They have played important games.

“Our duty is to do our best and close that gap. At the moment the difference is six points, so we are quite close but still nine games to go. We are not focused on if it will be three, six or nine points difference after the weekend. We are just focused on our game and how we can try to beat them and make it closer.

“I’m focused about Chelsea, not about Arsenal or Mikel. Chelsea will follow the model they want to follow and don’t need to copy Arsenal.

“We have to target top four or top five for Champions League, but this club used to play finals and fight for titles – so if we are able to give that to the fans and club again, that’s important.”

Maresca also commented on his lack of attacking options, between injured players and Cole Palmer’s drop off in form.

“It’s not an excuse,” he added. “It’s a reality when you lose important players. We lost three players who scored the most goals – Nico [Nicolas Jackson] injured, Noni Madueke injured, and Cole, in this moment, is struggling to score goals.

“In the last few weeks, two are not available and one is available but is unlucky and missing goals.”

He also confirmed that Robert Sanchez will be in goal against Arsenal.

“The idea was not to change keeper,” he added. “But sometimes you have to modify and be flexible on players. Robert needs some days off to rest mentally but now he’s back, hopefully we won’t change until the end.”