Arteta and his players are currently second on the Premier League table with 55 points after playing 28 matches
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has said he expected fellow London club, Chelsea to “contend” for the English Premier League (EPL) title this season.
The Spanish tactician made this known ahead of the weekend league clash between both clubs.
Chelsea and Arsenal are expected to meet on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners currently second in the table and the Blues six points behind in fourth place.
However, the prospect of the two clubs catching league leaders, Liverpool, who are 15 points clear at the top, is very slim.
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Their realistic targets will be to ensure they finish in Champions League spots this season.
But speaking ahead of their league fixture against Chelsea, Arteta claimed he expected more from their bitter rivals under Enzo Maresca.
“From the moment I watched them play in pre-season, understanding how Enzo works and the talent they have in the squad, they were contenders to even win it from the beginning,” the Arsenal manager was quoted on BBC Sport.
Arteta added, “They have so much there. The moment that everything lies together and they find that connection, energy and consistency, I think they can compete with any team.”
