'It is a shame' - Enzo Maresca drops injury excuse after Chelsea's defeat to Arsenal

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca referenced his side’s injury issues after Sunday’s narrow defeat to London rivals Arsenal. The Blues were beaten by a solitary Mikel Merino goal that came from a corner in the first half.

The Spaniard broke free at the front post and headed a corner up and over Robert Sanchez, with the ball sneaking into the unguarded back post. Arsenal deserved their lead going into the second half, while the second 45 minutes was more scrappy and even.

Chelsea struggled to create clear chances against the Gunners, and their top four hopes have suffered a minor blow, though they were helped by Manchester City slipping up against Brighton on Saturday, drawing 2-2.

After the defeat to Arsenal, Chelsea boss Maresca brought up the club’s injury issues, believing his side’s chances of landing a Champions League spot will improve after the break.

"I think we were in the game until the end,” he told Sky Sports. “There was not a big difference in the two games between us. Given the injuries, we fought until the end. After the international break, we can have more players back like Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke for the final sprint." The injury excuse is unlikely to go down well for this one given Arsenal are without some of their best attackers in Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Maresca added: “ We competed well, The game was there. They scored a set-piece, they are masters at that. It is a shame but my feeling is that we are going in the right direction. We controlled the game, we created some chances. In the second half we were there. Overall, I think we competed very well."

Chelsea remain in fourth for now, one point ahead of Manchester City and two points ahead of both Newcastle United and Brighton. Asked about his side’s chances of landing a Champions League spot, Maresca said: “It is a big one for us and for all of the teams who are in there. When you win you are close to the target but when you lose you can see yourself as far away from the target."

Your next Chelsea read, Premier League explain why Arsenal did not get a penalty vs Chelsea