Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has played down the Blues' chances of challenging for the Premier League title this season.

Maresca's side is currently level on points with London rivals Arsenal in second place in the Premier League, following their 3-0 thrashing of Aston Villa on Sunday, December 1.

The Blues are currently nine points behind leaders Liverpool after matchday 13, but Maresca insists that his side is not ready to challenge the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City for the title this season.

Speaking ahead of the Blues' trip to Southampton, the former Leicester City boss said:

“They [Arsenal] have been there in the last two years, very close to City, and we are very far from City,” Maresca said.

“I’ve said, to be in the title race is nice pressure for me and the players. It’s not the kind of pressure that you don’t like. It’s the kind of pressure you like because you are in the title race.

“But it’s not our case [this season]. Hopefully, soon we can be there.”