BLUES NOT READY TO BE CHAMPS: MARESCA

Chelsea boss 'realistic' about title hopes despite going just two points behind Reds

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LONDON - Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said the chaotic end to his side's 2-1 win over Brentford exemplified why they are not yet ready to compete for the English Premier League title.

The Blues closed to within two points of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, thanks to a fifth consecutive league win on Dec 15.

Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson struck for the home side at Stamford Bridge before Bryan Mbeumo's 90th-minute goal sparked a nervy finale. Cucurella was sent off in stoppage time, but the 10 men held on for victory.

"For me no matter how many games we win, there are things (that show) we're not ready to compete for the title in this moment," said Maresca, who has repeatedly shot down the idea of challenging for the title.

"A team who knows how to win wouldn't concede that goal.

"The fans, they can dream and think. But us inside as a club, as a squad, as players, as coaching staff, we need to be realistic.

"I said we have many things we can do better and this (the red card) is one of them."