Press conference
[Arsenal Media](/author/arsenal-media-2) 20 Jan 2026
After seeing his team put in an incredible display to beat Inter Milan, Mikel Arteta spoke to the media in the San Siro to sum up his thoughts.
He spoke about the performance of our strikers, keeping our 100% record intact, transfer rumours and much more.
Here is everything he had to say:
**on tonight’s win:**We're very proud, not only for tonight's game, but what we've done in the competition so far in seven matches. With one game to go, to be already in the position that we want to be is a massive prize to the team, because we know how difficult it is, and then tonight it was a test. Probably we didn't have the necessity in terms of the points, but we really had the hunger and the desire to come to a place like this, against a top, top side, and prove what we are and what we can do. I'm really pleased with what I've seen.
**on Gabriel Jesus’ performance:**
This is great, we've been missing Gabi a lot, and I think it's going to raise his confidence level and the team's, because we have now different profiles in that position, like we have with the wingers, and the fact that those players are playing at that level. Viktor comes in and has a great impact as well in the game. It's only making us better, and that's what we're seeking.
**on the way our strikers contributed:**
If I had to write it, probably that would be it. I'm very happy with that, and I'm very happy as well with most of the individual performances. I think we were incredible, you don’t win in San Siro in the manner that we’ve done. Mosquera is supposed to be another two weeks before coming back, but the medical staff and the sports scientists, they've done incredibly well with him to work every single hour to give him the chance to play. Today he had to play against top strikers, I think he's done an incredible job.
**on how all our forwards can help each other while fit:**
A lot, because we played the fourth consecutive game away from home in four different competitions in 12 days, I think it was. So it's crazy, in the manner that we've done it, we've been able to do that because we have rotated, because players feel important, players are fit to play when it's needed. Myles had to play 95 minutes, and he does it, and he does it really well. That's the only way to sustain the level, the demands and the objectives that we want.
**on if we can win something this season:**
We'll see. It's too early yet, but the aim is to get to May with the possibility of winning, and every day we have to make an effort, to have the energy that we've played today, to have this ambition, and if that's the case, maybe we'll take it.
**on what our 100% record shows:**
First of all, the ambition and the conviction that we have that we can compete against any team. Then you have to do it on the day. In order to do that, a lot of things have to go your way, and you have to put a lot of things on the table to make it happen. I love the attitude of the team. To come to this stadium, in that atmosphere, against the opponent that we have, because they are really good and they make it so hard for you, because they stretch you so much. In two passes you are open. But we played with a lot of intelligence, and we have to manage the game, we've done it, in the Champions League, it's a very important thing. The starters made an impact, the subs made an impact, and that's all the ingredients that you need at the end of the game if you want to have the option to win here.
**on how Inter Milan played against us:**
Last night I didn't sleep very well because I had that feeling that they're a team that in two passes gives them an opportunity. It happened two or three times, and losing the ball in certain spaces is very dangerous. We had two-on-two, and every time it was difficult. But we played with a lot of personality. We were also lucky when it was emotional. The team did very well.
**on Ethan Nwaneri potentially leaving:**
We certainly have to assess the situation. Obviously, Ethan’s not playing the minutes that he probably deserves and needs at his age. So, we're going to sit down this week, address the situation, get everybody's opinion and at the end we'll make the decision that we believe is the best one for the player, because we have a massive talent there and we really need to look after it.
**on how dominant we’ve become over the years:**
You learn with experience. Every match brings you an opportunity as well to understand your team better in the Champions League and what is required. Then there is a level of efficiency when you come to these places that you need to have. We certainly had that tonight apart from the last few chances that we missed at the end. But, I think the team was mature, very ambitious, emotionally very controlled as well in different parts of the match and we have to carry on.
**on what a loan could do for Nwaneri:**
We'll see. Let's first of all make the decision, the best one, and then we can see what the impact will be.
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