“This team can go to Chelsea and win” - Mikel Arteta makes bold claim after Arsenal loss against Inter
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he expects his side to pick up a win in their next game against Chelsea (November 10). The Gunners lost for a second successive game, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Serie A champions Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League on November 6.
Premier League runners-up in each of the last two seasons, Arsenal have established themselves as one of the best teams in Europe. The Gunners have, however, struggled in recent weeks, losing to Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Inter Milan. They go to London rivals Chelsea next, as they look to avoid a third consecutive away league defeat.
Mikel Arteta was left disappointed as his side lost to Inter Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza, but he was impressed with their performance in the game. He spoke with TNT Sports after the game, where he expressed confidence in his side's chances of claiming all three points at Chelsea on Sunday.
"We should have scored a couple at least but the way the team played, that was us at least. Every decision in the box makes a difference. The way we played tonight, this team can go to Chelsea and win," he said.
Arteta's Arsenal were imperious in their last meeting with the Blues, hence his bullish stance ahead of the game. The Gunners ran out 5-0 victors in their meeting at the Emirates back in April, having played out a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge last October.
The Gunners find themselves level on points with the Enzo Maresca's side, who are ahead of them by virtue of goal difference. They are seven points behind league leaders Liverpool and will be keen to avoid falling further behind their rivals.
Arsenal star doubtful for Chelsea clash
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is a doubt for the Gunners' clash against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday due to a minor problem. The Germany international picked up a nasty blow in his side's UEFA Champions League defeat at Inter Milan.
Havertz featured for 89 minutes in Milan before having to come off with a head injury. The 25-year-old had a clash of heads with Inter Milan defender Yann Aurel Bisseck in the closing stages of their encounter, causing him to bleed severely before being taken off.
Kai Havertz left Stamford Bridge for the Emirates in the summer of 2023 and scored twice in the Gunners' 5-0 win over his former side in April. The versatile forward has scored four goals in 10 league games for the Gunners, playing a key role for the side this season.