Chelsea: Enzo Maresca issues verdict on Blues' progress after closing in on Arsenal | OneFootball

The west Londoners are now just six points adrift of the League-leading Gunners

Enzo Maresca said he believes Chelsea are heading in the right direction and insisted he is paying no mind to the club’s critics.

“Now, I think it's quite a good feeling that all the noise around the club is just about football and the way we try to play, the way we try to get results.”

Back-to-back wins against Wolves and Tottenham have put Chelsea in a strong position four months into the season.

The Blues have struggled for consistency, though, winning just six of their opening 11 league games.

Maresca admits the Premier League is as competitive as it has ever been, and says he is constantly looking to adapt the way his team plays.

Blue day: The mood is high at Chelsea after a positive autumn run

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“Obviously, the competitiveness in the Premier League now is incredible. Every single team is doing such a fantastic job,” Maresca continued.

“It's complicated because, as you said, every team is competitive. Every team, they have good players, good managers. They are prepared. They are ready. So every game is difficult.”

Chelsea were given a reality check in last month’s defeat by Sunderland. The Black Cats have been one of the surprise packages of the season following their promotion from the Championship, and Maresca praised the work done by manager Regis Le Bris, whose side sit just one point behind Chelsea.

“There are so many good managers around, like Sunderland manager, Bournemouth manager (Andoni Iraola). I think there are many, many good managers that you can have a look at.”

One of the bright spots for Chelsea this season has been the return to fitness of captain Reece James.

The right-back has started seven games for the Blues this season, and Maresca admits he is growing into his role as a leader within the squad.

“He's progressing a lot since I joined the club. Now he's a real leader. You can see him inside the pitch, outside the pitch.

“You can see that he's become a little bit of a reference for the other players.”