“Of course we are up for it” - Chelsea star responds with confident claim when asked whether Blues are involved in title race this season

Chelsea forward Noni Madueke has replied positively when asked if the Blues are in the title race. Enzo Maresca's team are second in the Premier League after 14 games, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

The Italian manager has done well since taking charge at Stamford Bridge this summer. The London giants have won eight games in the league - including the last three - and have lost just two.

However, speaking recently as cited by The Evening Standard, Madueke insisted that Chelsea are not getting carried away by title claims.

“Of course we are up for it. [But] whether we are in it or not is a different question. However, we are taking every game as it comes. We are trying to progress and trying to get better. We are focusing on ourselves, really, and really trying to improve," said Madueke.

“We won 5-1 [at Southampton] and in the dressing room we are very happy with that, but we also know that we can be a lot better. It’s really focusing on us, focusing on training and trying to improve,” he added.

The Blues have scored 31 goals in the league, the most among the 20 teams after 14 games. They have also been in superb form in the Europa Conference League. The London giants have won all four games, scoring 18 goals and conceding just three as they top the table.

However, Chelsea were knocked out of the EFL Cup in the fourth round by Newcastle United in October.

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Who is Chelsea's top scorer this season?

Noni Madueke

Christopher Nkunku is Chelsea's leading goalscorer this season with 12 goals from 21 games across competitions. However, the French forward has started just 10 games across competitions, including two in the Premier League.

He is no longer a first choice under Enzo Maresca, who could move him on in 2025. The Blues wanted to bring in Victor Osimhen this summer and could return for the Nigerian next year.

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer has also chipped in with nine goals and six assists from 16 games across competitions. Nicolas Jackson is third on the list, with eight goals and three assists from 14 games in all competitions.

Noni Madueke has been in decent form, scoring six goals and setting up two more from 16 games across competitions. Chelsea next face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday, December 8.