Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca remained optimistic despite his side’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, praising his players for their effort and resilience.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Maresca said:

“I think we were in the game until the end. There was not a big difference in the two games between us.

“Given the injuries, we fought until the end. After the international break, we can have more players back like Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke for the final sprint.

“We competed well. The game was there. They scored a set-piece, they are masters at that. It is a shame but my feeling is that we are going in the right direction.

“We controlled the game, we created some chances. In the second half we were there. Overall, I think we competed very well.”

Despite the loss, Chelsea remain in fourth place in the Premier League table, just one point ahead of Manchester City. With key players set to return after the international break, Maresca remains hopeful for a strong finish to the season.