Chelsea star Noni Madueke recently gave a hilarious response when asked about the side being in the Premier League race. He claimed that the Blues are only focused on winning games and that it's too early to talk about the title race.
The west London side have enjoyed a rich vein of form under new manager Enzo Maresca. They have won five league games on the bounce, are unbeaten in their last eight league matches, and have not lost in 11 games across competitions.
Maresca's side has leapfrogged into the second position in the Premier League table. They have amassed 34 points from 16 games, and are just two points behind leaders Liverpool who have played a game less. It is pertinent to note that Chelsea has only lost twice in the league - to Machester City and Liverpool.
This impressive run of form has raised talks about the west London club being in the title race alongside Liverpool and Arsenal. However, Maresca has downplayed such claims on multiple occasions, stating that his team has not gotten to the level of the Reds and the Gunners.
Winger Noni Madueke recently echoed the manager's claim in a recent interview with the BBC. When asked if his side are in the title race, the 22-year-old replied (as quoted by GOAL):
"I don’t even know what that is. I don't think so. We are just competing with ourselves, trying to improve and be better every day. For that title race talk, what in December? I am not indulging in that. The race hasn't even started. If I had a crystal ball, I'd tell you, but I don't have a crystal ball, so I don't know."
Chelsea will look to maintain their winning run in the league when they face Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, December 22.
Former Premier League manager says Chelsea could win Premier League if they had Manchester City
Former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has opined that Chelsea could win the league this season if they had a prolific striker like Manchester City's Erling Haaland in their ranks.
He said on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast (via TBR Football):
"I mean Chelsea’s chances created to goals scored is really good, chances created, but goals scored could be better. If they had a pure finisher like Haaland they could win the league. I still think they’re slightly suspect defensively."
Enzo Maresca's side has scored the most goals in the Premier League this season with 37 goals in 16 games. However, they have also missed the most big chances in the league (37).