Enzo Maresca has claimed that his Chelsea side are 'ahead of his expectations' in their development as a team but still insists the Blues are not in the title race.
The Italian took over at Stamford Bridge from Mauricio Pochettino in the summer after the west London side slipped to a disappointing sixth-placed finish last season.
A summer of chaos ensued with a number of high-profile arrivals and departures as well as a host of players, including the likes of Conor Gallagher, being placed in a 'bomb squad' as Maresca looked to trim his bloated squad.