Enzo Maresca beats Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery to Premier League award in surprise win - Blues boss recognised after Chelsea’s unbeaten month

Mikel Arteta responded forcefully to Arsenal’s late defeat at Aston Villa.

It is rare for senior figures at any team to speak out, not just Chelsea, on such matters. And even if they did, it would be counter-productive, because statements of support are often perceived from the outside as the ‘dreaded vote of confidence’ before a decision ends up being taken days or weeks later to part ways with the manager concerned.

Enzo Maresca has revealed why Cole Palmer missed Chelsea's latest training session and why he won't play against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday. The 23-year-old has had an injury-hit season but did make his first start since September in the Blues' goalless draw with Bournemouth last weekend.

Enzo Maresca believes how Chelsea go through the December and January fixtures would determine whether his team can be considered contenders for the Premier League title.

Chelsea ended a three-game winless run in the Premier League, and four overall, with an occasionally nervy 2-0 defeat of Everton on Saturday. The highlight of the first half for the home side was undoubtedly Cole Palmer’s return to the scoresheet.