Maresca insists Chelsea not in Premier League title race

Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea are not in the Premier League title race despite their impressive start to the season.

The Blues are unbeaten in their last four league matches, including a 2-1 win over Maresca's former side Leicester City last weekend.

They have struggled at home at times this campaign though, with just 41% of their Premier League points coming in home games (9/22), the lowest ratio of any side so far this term.

However, Chelsea sit third ahead of this weekend's matches on 22 points, nine behind leaders Liverpool but just one behind reigning champions Manchester City.

Despite their high position in the table, Maresca played down hopes of Chelsea clinching the Premier League trophy in his first season.

"No [Chelsea are not in the title race], I said it many times," Maresca said. "I really like the pressure.

"I'd like to say: 'Yes, we're there' - but we're not there.

"It's nice to see the team improving, that is important; it is nice, a good feeling.

"At the same time, you need to be realistic, and you can see the difference between us and the rest at the moment.

"This doesn't mean we're not going to win games and not compete until the end, but the main focus has to be the feeling we're improving game after game.

"Arsenal is five years together [with manager Mikel Arteta], City more than eight years together [under Pep Guardiola]. Liverpool is a bit different, but they didn't make many changes from the past.

"This is the reason. It's not about points or difference in the table, it's just the time together."

Chelsea face Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday.