Why Liverpool guard of honour could help inspire Chelsea bid to become Premier League contenders again

But it is their league position that will ultimately define the success of Maresca’s first season in charge, and probably each of those that follow. For now, that means finishing in the top five and returning to the Champions League. At some point in the future, it will be trying to overhaul Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and the rest, to regain the title they last won in 2017.