Enzo Maresca says Chelsea are heading in the "right direction" despite Sunday's poor performance in a 1-0 defeat at rivals Arsenal.

Chelsea's two-game winning run in the Premier League came to an abrupt end as Mikel Merino's first-half header proved the difference at the Emirates Stadium.

The reverse leaves Maresca's side in fourth, just a point clear of Manchester City in fifth and two ahead of both Newcastle United, who have a game in hand, and Brighton.

Former Leicester City boss Maresca claimed Chelsea are on an upward trajectory, despite his team managing just two shots on target – both through Marc Cucurella – against second-placed Arsenal.

"We competed well, The game was there. They scored a set-piece, they are masters at that," the Chelsea head coach told Sky Sports.

"It is a shame but my feeling is that we are going in the right direction."

Chelsea were without the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke, with Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho failing to make an impact as cover for their absent team-mates.

Indeed, their expected goals (xG) total at the Emirates (0.35) was their lowest in a match in any competition under Maresca, while they attempted just eight shots – another joint-low for them in the Premier League this term.

"I think we were in the game until the end," the Italian added. "There was not a big difference in the two games between us.

"Given the injuries, we fought until the end. After the international break, we can have more players back like Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke for the final sprint."

Chelsea are now winless in their last seven away games in the league (D2 L5), which is their longest run without a victory on the road since between October 2022 and February 2023 under Graham Potter (D4 L4).

Their plight was not helped by Palmer's injury-enforced absence – Chelsea have lost all three domestic games without him since he joined the club, while failing to score a single goal (eight conceded).

At the other end of the pitch, Robert Sanchez pulled off an expert stop in the second half to deny Merino but looked unconvincing once again when offering Arsenal chances in the opening period.

"We are quite happy with both of our keepers and today Robert was good," Maresca said, defending his goalkeeper.

Maresca remains upbeat surrounding Chelsea's top-four hopes, though accepted the Emirates defeat was a setback to their hopes.

"It is a big one for us and for all of the teams who are in there. When you win you are close to the target but when you lose you can see yourself as far away from the target," he concluded.