Maresca: Arsenal still the ‘closest team to Man City’ despite recent run | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca says he thinks Arsenal are the closest team to the “best” in the Premier League, Manchesrer City.

Maresca’s Chelsea side host the Gunners at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s side are without a win in their last three league games and were also beaten 1-0 by Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.

But despite their recent dip in form, Maresca believes his team will be facing the league’s second-best side.

“For sure Arsenal, in this moment, is the closest one to the best team in England which is City but we’re going to try to do our game, prepare in the best way we can and try to win,” he said.

“Mentally, it will be very tough. In set pieces, they are very good.

“I watched the Champions League game against Inter and every corner they were smelling a goal. They are top at that and we’re going to try to deal with in the best way.”

“I like the pressure from these kind of games. The pressure is also for us, but for sure as I said, they are the closest one to City.

“I consider them better than the rest and the reason why is I said many times, one club (City) is working with the same manager for nine years and the other (Arsenal) is working with the same manager for five years.

“This is a big, big, huge advantage compared to the rest. For me, that’s why in this moment they are better than the rest but we’re going to try to make life difficult for them.”

Cole Palmer has missed Chelsea training this week after a heavy challenge from Lisandro Martinez in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United last Sunday, but Maresca is hopeful he will be available for Arsenal.

“He’s getting better,” he said.

“We still have two days to prepare for the game and hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday and then we can make a decision.”