TOO EARLY FOR BLUES' TITLE TALK

But Maresca feels that Chelsea are evolving and growing, is happy with collective effort

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes that his high-flying team have progressed over the past year but it is too soon to predict a title challenge.

The Blues host Premier League leaders Arsenal in a top-of-the-table clash on Nov 30, boosted by the return of Cole Palmer after more than two months on the sidelines.

But, while Palmer is a key player, Maresca said it is all about the team's collective effort which has seen them go six matches unbeaten in all competitions including an impressive 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek.

"For sure it's different compared to one year ago, and it's because we spent one more year together," said the Italian, who won the Conference League and Club World Cup last season in his first campaign at Chelsea.

"We went through moments where we can learn from that moment. Then again, for me it's very early.

"We are still at the end of November, December, so it's very early and it's important to be where we are now... in March, April, then we see.