Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says the club can "dominate" the Premier League in the next five to 10 years but believes the London Club is not among title contenders for the English premier league this season.
" Arsenal have been there in the last two years close to [Manchester City] and we have been very far from City. What I said to the owners and the sporting directors the first time I met them, because of the age, and because of how good the squad is, for me Chelsea in the next five to 10 years will be one of the teams, or the team, that is going to dominate English football," he said.
"I think we are in the right direction and in terms of personal target, I know from outside you struggle to believe. I'm focused about Southampton, but I'm not focused about end of the season." he reiterated.
Chelsea Face Southampton in the next Game, coming from back to back wins.
Cole Palmer shone in a comfortable Chelsea win over an Aston Villa side whose worrying winless run extended to eight matches.
Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea a seventh-minute lead, squeezing a first-time finish past Emi Martinez after Marc Cucurella forced Jadon Philogene into a mistake on the edge of his own box before crossing.
Enzo Fernandez then volleyed in the second in the 36th minute.
The Argentina midfielder finished with his right foot after an excellent touch with his left, following a good ball from Palmer, with Moises Caicedo having won the ball in midfield.
Palmer then curled in a sensational left-foot finish from the edge of the box in the 83rd minute to seal victory.
The England international, like Jackson, now has eight Chelsea goals for the season.
Chelsea were dominant, registering more than 64% possession, could have scored more – Jadon Sancho threatened, while Palmer squandered a chance from eight yards out following an indirect free-kick after a mistake by Villa pair Martinez and PauTorres.
For Villa, Ollie Watkins had a frustrating day, missing a good chance in the 15th minute and one just before half-time after a mistake from Fernandez.
It was a day to forget all round for the visitors, with Villa goalkeeper Martinez forced off at half-time with an injury.
In a second half where Chelsea continued to dominate, their only setback was an injury to Wesley Fofana. John McGinn and substitute Ross Barkley had half-chances, but the visitors could not find a way back.
Southampton boss Russell Martin has four suspended players to add to his long list of potential absentees against Chelsea on Wednesday.
The Saints, rooted to the foot of the Premier League, already have seven injury concerns including two of his goalkeepers; Aaron Ramsdale and Gavin Bazunu. The duo, along with Adam Lallana, are not expected back for midweek.
Loanee Lesley Ugochukwu has played in the last three league matches for Southampton but will not be able to play against parent club Chelsea due to Premier League transfer rules. And now, three others are also barred from taking part.