"We weren't lying when we said we weren't in the [title] race, this is a realisation" - Levi Colwill after Chelsea's loss to Fulham

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has opened up about the Blues' title race expectations after they endured a shock 2-1 loss to Fulham on Thursday, December 26. The two London clubs faced off at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer opening the scoring for the Blues (16'). Harry Wilson scored a late equalizer for the visitors (82') before Rodrigo Muniz stole it at the last (90+5').

This was the Blues' first loss since they lost 2-1 to Liverpool on October 20 at Anfield. In that time, they had also picked up six wins and three draws before the Cottagers shocked them at Stamford Bridge. Because the Blues have sat in second and third place on the Premier League table, comments have been made about them being in the title race.

However, head coach Enzo Maresca has pushed against any notion that they are gunning for the Premier League title. The result against Fulham vindicated the manager's words, as they fell from second place to third, with Arsenal overtaking them. Speaking after the game, Levi Colwell told the press (via football.london):

"We have to keep moving. December has been a tough month, with a lot of games, and we have another game in three days, so we have to keep going.

"We're not where everyone expects to be, realistically. We still have a lot to improve on. We have to keep pushing. We don't have time to let our heads drop. We have to keep moving and keep improving together."

He continued, reiterating Maresca's words about Chelsea not being in the title race:

"It's going to hurt the momentum, but we can build it back up. We weren't lying when we said we weren't in the [title] race. This is a realisation we're not there yet. We will just try to keep picking up three points.

"We're a very young team with a lot of confidence. We will be there again, don't worry. We will keep going for the next game and get three points there."

Chelsea will face Ipswich Town at Portman Road on December 30 in their last game of the year.

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Enzo Maresca hints at changes ahead of Chelsea's clash against Ipswich

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that he may make a few changes for the Blues' upcoming clash against Ipswich Town. Despite a strong run of form, their loss to Fulham means the Blues have failed to win two games in a row, following their 0-0 draw against Everton.

Speaking in their pre-match press conference at Cobham, Maresca hinted at a potential rotation, telling the reporters present (via the club's official website):

"We will see if we make one change or two changes or three changes, now it’s a bit early, but for sure we are going to change something."

He added:

"We never thought we would win every game. We lost on the 18 August, and then after two months, and then after two months. But we know the reality is not just to lose one game every two months. It’s a matter of how we react and try to go again."

Chelsea will look to conclude 2024 with a bang, despite the changes the manager might make to their starting lineup against Ipswich.