Maresca: Chelsea 'Competed Very Well' Despite 1-0 Loss to Arsenal

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has taken positives from his team's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, praising their performance and competitiveness. Despite the loss, Chelsea remain in fourth place, and Maresca is optimistic about their prospects.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his optimism despite his team's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. Maresca believes that Chelsea deserved a better outcome, highlighting the narrow margin between the two teams.

Maresca shared his thoughts on the match, saying, “I think we were in the game until the end. There was not a big difference between the two teams.” He also praised his team's resilience, particularly given their injury woes, noting, “Given the injuries, we fought until the end.” Maresca is looking forward to the return of key players, such as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madarike, after the international break, which will bolster Chelsea's squad for the final stretch of the season.

Despite the disappointing loss, Maresca remains positive about Chelsea's trajectory. He commented, “We competed well, the game was there. They scored from a set-piece; they're masters at that. It's a shame, but my feeling is that we're going in the right direction.”

Match reaction from Enzo Maresca.#CFC | #ARSCHE pic.twitter.com/EM4Y9pLh0t

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 16, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was pleased with his team's performance despite their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. He reflected on the match, saying, “We controlled the game, we created some chances. In the second half, we were there. Overall, I think we competed very well.”

Maresca also praised the performance of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, stating, “We are quite happy with both of our keepers, and today Robert was good.” Sanchez's solid display was a positive takeaway from an otherwise disappointing result.

🚨 Enzo Maresca: “I think between the two games against Arsenal, there was NOT a big difference”.

“The amount of injuries we have, we competed. We were in the game until the end”. pic.twitter.com/Dj3i92kHg1

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 16, 2025

The defeat did not significantly impact Chelsea's position in the table, as they remain in fourth place. Maresca acknowledged the importance of this position, saying, “It is a big one for us and for all of the teams who are in there.” He also emphasized the fine margins between success and disappointment, noting, “When you win, you are close to the target, but when you lose, you can see yourself as far away from the target.”