Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his side will ‘really have to earn it’ as they face a difficult test to preserve their 100% record in the Champions League away against Inter Milan.
The two sides last met in the group stage in November last season, where Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty on the brink of half-time proved decisive, handing the hosts a narrow 1-0 victory.
However, Arsenal return to Italy’s fashion capital this time with momentum on their side, boasting the competition’s only perfect record so far and sitting seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
By contrast, Christian Chivu’s Inter have already slipped twice in Europe this season, suffering defeats to Atletico Madrid and fellow English side Liverpool.
“Well, [it is] a very similar context to last year, obviously, where the two teams are at the moment is a bit different,” Arteta explained.
“A new manager as well, I think he has given them some of the things in their identity and the way they play.
“But obviously, a super competitive team, a team that is dominating the league, and a really tough game.”
The Gunners are in the midst of a demanding start to the calendar year, with four consecutive away fixtures across four different competitions.
Despite another monumental clash against Manchester United around the corner, Arteta insists that their approach for Tuesday evening’s game will not change.
*“Every game in the Champions League, when you have the opportunity to achieve something, you have to grab it, and tomorrow we're really going to have to earn it against a top, top side.*
“We know that, and then we prepare every game obviously to win it, and the urgency is going to be the same tomorrow,” he added.
They will do so still without Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori or Max Dowman, who have been ruled out and haven’t travelled with the squad.
However, they have been boosted by the return of Cristhian Mosquera, while Kai Havertz is available for selection once again as he continues his journey back from injury.
Arteta shed some light on how he ensures that the players remain motivated for the challenges ahead of them.
“We keep tricking the players, and the next one is the most important one this season, and then three days later the same!
“That's the demands, that's the expectations that we have, that's the standard that we have set as well as a team and as a club and we are living with that with joy, with enthusiasm and with a lot of energy as requested.”
One player capable of providing that energy and enthusiasm is Gabriel Jesus, who has also recently returned from a long-term injury and is eager to make an impact to help Arsenal push towards their goals.
“We are getting closer,” Jesus said.
“Unfortunately, the last three seasons since I’m here at Arsenal, we finished in second. But, we are in a good way shape, a good shape.
"We are happy we are in the position that we are winning games. We have an amazing squad. I do believe that we can win."