We sometimes try to get Chelsea to talk about winning the title, sure.

The reporters who often go to Enzo Maresca’s press meetings probably don't bring it up every week. By now, we all know what he'll say and the look he'll give you. But once in a while, a new person will give it a shot.

Hi Enzo, hope you're doing well. I wanted to ask, is Chelsea in the title race, and can you win it?

The latest try came on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. It was as good a time as any, since they had just tied Arsenal 1-1, even though they played most of the game with only 10 players, after Moises Caicedo, their key player, was sent off.

Doesn't your game today prove you can challenge Arsenal and the others?

Maresca started his answer by apologising for being boring and repetitive. He told us Chelsea isn't going to win the title. He said it's too early to talk about that, mostly this season. It's only November, December, he said. "Ask again in February or March," he said.

Chelsea tied the league leaders, even after playing most of the game with 10 players. But Maresca says that it’s still too early to talk about their chances of winning the Premier League.

So, the Magic 8 Ball was shaken, and like before, it said, Ask again later.

But Maresca won't be scolded by his bosses for his view because they agree with him. Like actors who won't say Macbeth in theatres because they think it will bring bad luck, nobody at Chelsea will mention the title right now.

Last season, people were a bit shocked when Maresca said Chelsea’s owners didn't tell him to finish in the top four. This is different.

Anyone who says they’re in the title race this early in the season is wrong. Unless you actually win, there's not much to gain from saying you're going to go for it.

Instead, Chelsea wants to keep doing what they're doing and see where it leads them. Their main goal is to finish in the Premier League’s top four. They’ll see where that leaves them.

If they’re still close to Arsenal and Manchester City in February, Maresca might change his mind. But until then, it’s, You’re saying that, but we’re not thinking that. Next question.

Chelsea insiders think Arsenal and City are the teams to beat this season, and it’s hard to argue. Arsenal added more players to their team in the summer, as they need to compete, and they’ve finished second in the last three seasons.

City has Erling Haaland, who can make a big difference, and they’ve been there, done that, winning six titles since 2017 under Pep Guardiola.

The Daily Mail Sport put up a poll on social media yesterday, asking, Do you think Chelsea can actually win the title this season? After 1,000 votes, it was exactly 50-50. After a few hundred more votes, it was 49.5 per cent saying yes and 50.5 per cent saying no.

The fans are split, and me? After thinking about it, I'd have to say no for now. They're getting closer, I think, but this season feels too soon.

They're the youngest team in Premier League history. They're still learning to play together after Chelsea decided to rebuild their attack in the summer, which isn't normal after finishing fourth.

They have a 45-year-old head coach who, while clearly a good tactician, will tell you he's still learning.

They’ve been a bit naive at times, like with the four red cards they’ve gotten in the Premier League this season. If they keep this up, they’ll break Sunderland and QPR’s record of nine in a season.

They don’t have a Haaland-type goalscorer because they’re thinking long-term instead of spending big on one proven player.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but signing young players means you have to be patient. They’ve shown they can play well against Arsenal and Barcelona in those big games, but then they have those bad days, like the loss to Sunderland and the tie with Qarabag.

Chelsea’s next Premier League games are against Leeds, Bournemouth, and Everton, and while they look like wins on paper, it’s still not clear how they’ll do as the favourites.

Chelsea has a lot going for them. The way they handled not having Cole Palmer—winning 10 of their 13 games when he was hurt—was good to see.

He’s back now, and Maresca has been rotating players all season to get ready for the busy schedule ahead, using all the players he has.

They’re getting used to winning after the Club World Cup win in the summer.

Right now, it doesn’t feel like enough to be the best team in England after 38 games, but hey, ask me again in February or March.