Enzo Fernandez insists Chelsea are Premier League title contenders

Enzo Fernandez has made a bold claim in the aftermath of Chelsea’s 1–1 draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal, insisting that Enzo Maresca’s side are genuine contenders to win the title this season. Chelsea, who played more than 50 minutes with ten men following Moisés Caicedo’s dismissal, left Stamford Bridge with a point that felt earned rather than stolen — and one that keeps them firmly in the title conversation.

Fernandez played the full ninety minutes in Sunday’s fiery London derby, helping Chelsea remain six points off the top after 13 matches. The Blues sit third, and for the first time in two seasons, there is a sense of upward momentum rather than reconstruction.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the Argentine midfielder did not shy away from expectations.

“Of course we are [title contenders]. This season there are many contenders — Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United. All the teams are battling towards the top,” he said. “Arsenal have been doing really well for many years. Liverpool are a great side. I’m not going to choose one because they’re all good.”

Fernandez stressed that Chelsea’s ambitions go beyond domestic targets. Having lifted the Conference League and the Club World Cup last season, the Argentine believes the squad is capable of fighting on every front.

“And we know the Champions League is very tough. We’ll try to reach the final, which is what we deserve as a club. We’ve been doing well, so we’re capable of being right up there.”

Chelsea’s return to Europe was one of the most significant achievements of Maresca’s first season, but Fernandez believes the team’s upward trajectory truly took shape from January onwards.

Fernandez reflected on the team’s identity shift under Maresca, crediting the manager for bringing clarity, organisation and unity to a young squad.

“I think last season was the first year in which we’ve really seen what the Chelsea project is about,” he said. “I’m very pleased with what we achieved last season, but we aren’t settling for that. We want to keep competing at the highest level and fighting for the Premier League and Champions League.”

The Argentine highlighted the tactical and interpersonal aspects that have driven the team forward:

“Maresca has brought a clear identity, which is helping us get results. He’s helped friendships within the squad grow. I’d single out the way he guides us and teaches us every day in training — it’s wonderful for the squad.”

Chelsea’s improvement from January into the run-in, culminating in European qualification and silverware, has become the foundation upon which this season’s title challenge is being built.

Having followed Chelsea closely since Maresca’s arrival, this is the first time in three seasons that the squad carries a clear identity and collective rhythm. The tactical structure — patient buildup, inverted full-backs, aggressive midfield rotations — is now second nature. Fernandez is at the centre of it.

Chelsea now have the tactical maturity to stay in the title race deep into spring, provided injuries do not destabilise the starting core.

From my experience covering title-chasing teams, the biggest indicator is resilience. Chelsea playing their best football with ten men, against the league leaders, is the type of performance that keeps teams in contention.

Chelsea turn their attention to a demanding December schedule as they continue to chase Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table.

👉 Do you agree with Fernandez — are Chelsea genuine title contenders, or still one big step away?