Chelsea used to be a real force within English football.
With Jose Mourinho at the helm in the 2004/05 campaign, the Blues conceded just 15 goals in the Premier League to win the title at a canter, losing only once to accumulate 95 points.
The Portuguese tactician was – and still is – a manager who takes no nonsense, memorably chasing Marco Ianni at Stamford Bridge after a late Ross Barkley equaliser saw his Manchester United side drop two points in October 2018.
💥 Scenes at Stamford Bridge! 💥
Jose Mourinho says he has accepted an apology from @ChelseaFC assistant coach Marco Ianni, who sparked chaos in the dugout following Ross Barkley’s last-minute equaliser! 😳
📲 https://t.co/kP8eN2ANKB pic.twitter.com/FcOBHus9aC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 20, 2018
With this attitude – and a mighty spine including the likes of John Terry and Didier Drogba – Chelsea were a force to be reckoned with, although a moment involving Enzo Maresca at Arsenal on Sunday suggests the Blues are now weak.
Jurrien Timber comment would have enraged Jose Mourinho
In the 93rd minute at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Jurrien Timber could be heard telling the Italian to “try harder” as his Chelsea side were seconds away from losing to Arsenal.
Jurrien Timber tells Enzo Maresca to ‘try harder’ before a handshake between the pair 👀🤝 pic.twitter.com/ajLREB7DYX
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 16, 2025
Maresca, who apologised to fans, then shook the Dutchman’s hand and simply walked away, which some may view as a professional response, although to us, it was a weak way to deal with what seemed to be a pure piece of mockery by the Arsenal man.
Mourinho – at the very least – would not have shaken Timber’s hand, and presumably would have done or said something to hit back.
However, Maresca’s meek response suggested it was okay for Arsenal to turn up to a London derby, dominate the Blues and then mock the manager from a Chelsea perspective, a feebleness we in England have not come to expect from the west Londoners over the years.
Chelsea need to rediscover a spine
Chelsea – who did not even have a touch inside the opposition box for 20 minutes – performed like a side with absolutely nothing left to play for against Arsenal on Sunday, despite a UEFA Champions League qualification spot being far from guaranteed.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool |
29 | 21 | 7 | 1 | 69 | 27 | 42 | 70 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal |
29 | 16 | 10 | 3 | 53 | 24 | 29 | 58 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest |
29 | 16 | 6 | 7 | 49 | 35 | 14 | 54 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea |
29 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 53 | 37 | 16 | 49 |
| 5 |  Man CityManchester City |
29 | 14 | 6 | 9 | 55 | 40 | 15 | 48 |
The Blues registered just two shots on target, and could have even been 3-0 down to the Gunners by the interval due to some bizarre decisions at the back, mainly by the calamitous Robert Sanchez.
Arsenal coasted to victory, mocked Maresca and took all three points in a manner akin to taking candy from a baby – until Chelsea rediscover a bit of bite, they may struggle to compete for the greatest honours again.
