Enzo Maresca singles out one moment in Chelsea’s win over Brentford as to why they aren’t title contenders

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Chelsea cut the lead from them to league leaders Liverpool to just two points with a hard-fought win over West London rivals Brentford.

The Blues were being frustrated by some resolute defending early on, however a rare goal and even rarer header from Marc Cucurella gave them a first half lead.

Nicolas Jackson made up for a couple of missed chances with a fine goal to put them out of sight, even with what was a nervy final few minutes at Stamford Bridge.

The drama wasn’t over with the full-time whistle either. Cucurella picked up a second yellow card after the game was done, meaning he will be missing for their next game against Everton.

• READ MORE: What Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho were doing as Marc Cucurella was sent off after Chelsea vs Brentford

Enzo Maresca still doesn’t think Chelsea are title contenders

Bryan Mbeumo found the net late on, with Enzo Maresca no doubt frustrated at the manner that they gave up a goal late on.

As talk continues from the outside that Chelsea are in a title race this season, Maresca believes that moment is exactly why they cannot be considered contenders just yet.

He said to Football London: “No matter how many games we are going to win, I think we are not ready to compete for the title. One of the reasons why is because I think [other] teams know how to compete for titles.

“They are not going to concede the goal we conceded. We conceded the goal on 90 minutes, throw-in for us, we conceded a goal. A team that knows how to win titles, that goal they are not going to concede.

This is one of the reasons why I continue to say we are not ready for titles, even if you don’t believe me or you think that I say that for…

“I’ve told you many times I would love the pressure to compete for titles but we are not ready for many reasons; one of the reasons why is because we cannot concede the goal we conceded, open the game and give them the chance to take a point here.”

Chelsea could go top of the Premier League next weekend

Despite being without Cucurella, Chelsea will be confident that they can keep up their winning run with a trip to take on Everton next weekend.

With how the fixtures work, the Blues could temporarily go top of the Premier League with all three points, as Liverpool prepare to take on Tottenham a few hours later.

The Blues will have played two more games than Arne Slot’s side at that moment, however it would no doubt be a huge statement if they can put the pressure on their rivals at the top of the table.

With some attractive fixtures on paper in the coming weeks, this is the time for Chelsea to really establish themselves as a genuine contender to win the Premier League this season.