As defeat at Ipswich ended a miserable Christmas, Enzo Maresca claimed his Chelsea team were still on the right track but it was a work in progress.

After Liam Delap’s penalty and a goal from former Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson sealed points in three marquee games, hopes of a surprise Premier League title win appear to be over.

The Chelsea head coach, who previously insisted his side were not ready to challenge for the title, said: “We expected a moment like this during the season because we know a moment like this is part of football. “It’s almost impossible to have a season where there isn’t a moment like this for us.”

Chelsea are fourth in the table, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool but in the race for Champions League qualification. “None of us in this room expected us to be where we are now,” Maresca added. “It means and shows that we are on the right track, as I have said many times, but also shows that we are a long way from being able to compete (with) consistency and keep up with the best teams in England.”

“I think we have to be happy with where we are, but at the same time we have to know that we can do better,” concluded the Italian.

Maresca didn’t fight back and saw a soft penalty for Delap’s opener when Filip Jörgensen brought down the striker, who scored from the spot, signaling the end of Ipswich’s hunt for a first home win in the Premier League. “They said it was a bit soft but we have to accept it’s a penalty,” he said, shrugging.

Both Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna and Maresca – who coached Delap at Manchester City – were full of praise for the 21-year-old. “He’s a different beast than the player he was in July,” McKenna said. “His rate of improvement is really high for a young player,” McKenna said. “His style is enjoyable for everyone. There aren’t many like him out there and he plays against incredible Premier League defenders every week.”

Goals from Delap and Hutchinson sparked joyous celebrations at Portman Road as Ipswich ended a 22-year wait for a home win in the Premier League. “One of the best nights,” McKenna said after capping off 2024 with a highly anticipated win.

“We had the privilege of spending many lovely nights. “It was something special for the players and fans,” said the manager. Ipswich climb above Leicester to 19th, one point behind Wolves and two behind Everton.

“The performances generally gave hope,” concluded McKenna. “We played almost every game. If you do that, you always have a chance.”