“Believe it or not” – Craig Burley makes interesting Chelsea claim ahead of Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Former Chelsea striker Craig Burley believes a much better version of the Blues will be required to beat Arsenal on Sunday.

Chelsea put in arguably their best performance under Enzo Maresca as they ran out 3-0 winners against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

Jules Kounde put the ball through his own net to give the Blues the lead, before a superb Estevao goal doubled it, whilst Liam Delap completed the scoring.

Craig Burley claims Chelsea will need to improve against Arsenal

It was a fourth win and fourth clean sheet in a row in all competitions, and Chelsea are really starting to build some momentum.

Jamie Carragher believes Enzo Maresca is doing a brilliant job, and the Blues sit fifth in the Champions League standings, and second in the Premier League.

However, attention will quickly be shifting to the game against Arsenal on Sunday, and a win would see the Blues go just three points behind the Gunners.

Chelsea were absolutely superb against Barcelona. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

If they can match their performances levels from the Barcelona win it’s hard to imagine them losing, but Burley believes they’ll need to be even better.

“Believe it or not but a much better version of Chelsea will need to turn up,” he told ESPN.

“They will have to up their game from what we saw tonight to face Arsenal.

“Arsenal are not going to play like Barcelona did tonight. In some sense that’s the acid test for Chelsea rather than the Barcelona game.

“We’ve seen enough of Barca this season, it’s been there week in week out to see, the poorest teams in La Liga have all had chances against them.

Sunday the real test for the Blues

Burley doesn’t feel beating Barcelona was a surprise, and feels the real statement for the Blues would be beating Arsenal.

“So Chelsea beating them is not a surprise, it’s a great win but it’s not a surprise if you watch La Liga regularly.

More Stories / Latest News

“Believe it or not” – Craig Burley makes interesting Chelsea claim ahead of Arsenal clash

26th Nov 2025, 09:32am

Enzo Maresca answers whether Estevao will start against Arsenal

26th Nov 2025, 08:45am

“I think he’s” – Jamie Carragher shares honest opinion on Enzo Maresca after Barcelona win

26th Nov 2025, 08:15am

“If they do something similar to Arsenal then that’s a huge statement because Arsenal are clear favourites to go on and win this Premier League.

“The statement for Chelsea has to be the weekend because Arsenal are a different ball game.”