Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic ahead of the upcoming clash with Chelsea, brushing off concerns after the Gunners’ narrow Champions League loss to Inter Milan on Wednesday.
Despite a 1-0 defeat to the Serie A champions at San Siro—courtesy of a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty late in the first half—Arteta is confident that Arsenal’s performance demonstrated their readiness for the Premier League showdown with London rivals Chelsea. The loss to Inter marked Arsenal’s first Champions League defeat this season and came on the heels of a previous 1-0 Premier League loss to Newcastle at St. James’ Park, a setback that has left them six points behind league leaders Liverpool.
This weekend, Arsenal faces a crucial challenge as they head to Stamford Bridge for their third straight away game, following losses in their last two outings. Arteta, however, is undeterred and reassured fans that his team is determined to avoid extending their winless run in the league.
“We showed a lot tonight against a resilient Inter side,” Arteta told reporters post-match. “The way we played tonight against Inter… the team can go to Chelsea and win.” The manager stressed that if Arsenal can replicate their performance from Milan, they have a strong chance of success at Stamford Bridge.
With Arsenal’s hopes of ending a near two-decade Premier League title drought at stake, Arteta’s faith in his squad’s resilience will be tested this weekend against a tough Chelsea side.
