Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his team will bounce back from their recent setbacks and secure a victory over Chelsea if they replicate the performance they displayed during their narrow 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan.
Despite losing at the San Siro on Wednesday, Arteta remained positive, citing his team’s dominant display. The Gunners registered nearly double the expected goals of Inter Milan, with 20 shots compared to the hosts’ seven. The only goal of the match came from Hakan Calhanoglu’s controversial penalty just before halftime. Arsenal had a penalty of their own, awarded for a Mikel Merino handball, but despite their efforts, they couldn’t find the back of the net.
This loss marked Arsenal’s second consecutive defeat, following a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United last Saturday, further denting their Premier League title hopes. However, Arteta remained confident ahead of their upcoming match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Reflecting on the Inter defeat, Arteta expressed frustration but also praised his players’ effort. “We should have scored at least a couple of goals, but the way the team played was our best. Every decision in the box makes a difference,” he told TNT Sports. “The way we played tonight, this team can go to Chelsea and win.”
In his post-match interview, Arteta was visibly irked by what he saw as unfair decisions, especially the penalty awarded to Inter. He also referenced an incident in the first half when Arsenal’s appeal for a penalty was denied after Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer clattered into Merino. Arteta was adamant that if they gave one penalty, they should have given the other as well.
“I am very proud of my players and the level of domination we had,” Arteta said. “We were harshly done by. If you’re going to give a penalty in one situation, the other one has to be a penalty too.”
Arteta confirmed that Merino, who Arteta substituted at halftime for Gabriel Jesus, was not concussed following the clash with Sommer. “No, he was not concussed, he wasn’t feeling great yesterday, and I needed him 100 percent.”
Regarding Kai Havertz, who sustained a head injury during the match, Arteta reassured fans that the striker would be assessed and hoped to be fit for the weekend. “Kai had a big cut and hopefully he will be okay for the weekend.”
Looking ahead, Arteta is optimistic that Arsenal’s performance, despite the loss, will give them the confidence needed to challenge Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.
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