Maresca on 'big gap' between Chelsea and Arsenal, Palmer and titles

[ASFN Admin]

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has spoken to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Arsenal (kick-off 13:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Maresca said the gap between Chelsea and Arsenal is "quite big", adding: "The reason why is because they are working with the same manager for five years so the difference is quite important. They also have the same players that have already played some important games. But our duty is to close that gap between us and them. In this moment, the table says the difference is just six points so we are quite close. We have nine games still to go."
• Maresca expects Arsenal to play the game with a high press and to be "aggressive", which will allow the Blues "more space to attack in behind".
• Chelsea are "used to playing in finals and fighting for titles", and Maresca said achieving the two targets of qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Conference League "are important for us".
• On whether he will make a goalkeeper change: "Yes, it will be Robert playing against Arsenal. Since we started, the idea was not to change the keeper, but we have had to be flexible with our gameplan since arriving. I think Robert needs some days off, or at least a rest mentally. Now he is back, we hope not to change until the end - but I also am happy with both keepers."
• On Cole Palmer: "Cole at the moment struggles to score goals. Of the three guys who score goals for us, two are not available [Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke] and one is available, a bit unlucky and missing goals - but there are other players that are doing well."
• The Italian said it is "strange" both London clubs find themselves without a recognised striker because of injuries, adding: "They are trying to find solutions and we are trying to find solutions. Pedro [Neto] is doing very well in that position. We will see if we use Pedro or try something else on Sunday. All the clubs have moments when they have injuries so they need to adapt."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Arsenal v Chelsea at 13:30 on Sunday

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