Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told his players he was proud despite their defeat at Inter Milan(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

What Mikel Arteta’s just told Arsenal players ahead of Chelsea clash may surprise fans

07 Nov 2024, 09:44 by Tom Sunderland · football.london

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was surprisingly upbeat after stumbling to defeat at Inter Milan.

The Gunners' unbeaten start to their Champions League campaign came to an end at the San Siro, with the next stop being a difficult trip to Chelsea on Sunday. Arsenal's resilience was tested yet again following a slender loss at Newcastle, marking their second consecutive 1-0 defeat.

But Arteta maintained an optimistic outlook despite the latest setback, offering words of encouragement to his team after Hakan Calhanoglu's penalty sealed their fate in Italy. And the manager revealed exactly what he told his team following their third loss in six matches.

"If we play the way we play, we'll have a big chance to win against Chelsea," he told reporters (via the Daily Express). "That's the way we have to go. I told them that I'm proud of them.

"I haven't seen them play in Europe in the manner that we have today. We are disappointed because we didn't get what we wanted out of the game, that's for sure."

The defeat saw Arsenal's solid European record compromised for the first time this term. After a close handball call on Mikel Merino just before half-time, Calhanoglu continued his streak of not missing from the spot for Inter, increasing the pressure on Arsenal to come back stronger against Chelsea.

Despite their relentless efforts to breach Inter's lines, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were continually thwarted. The Gunners tallied an impressive 20 shots to Inter Milan's seven, but ultimately it was Simone Inzaghi's team that notched the only goal of the game.

The north Londoners dominated with nearly two-thirds of possession during their visit to San Siro, racking up 13 corners while Inter had none. Nonetheless, that dominance didn't prevent the Gunners from slipping to 12th in the Champions League pecking order.

Arteta opted for a message of hope ahead of Sunday's visit to Chelsea(Image: Getty)

Following the clash on Wednesday, Arteta hailed the effort as "by far the best one" his team have given against other top-tier European opponents of late. While the scoreline might raise doubts about his claim, it's clear Arteta's priority was to lift spirits within his Arsenal camp.

Their next hurdle is a face-off at Stamford Bridge, where Arsenal have had some luck in recent years. The last trip to Chelsea saw them claw back from two goals down to secure a dramatic draw, while they haven't tasted defeat on Chelsea turf since August 2018.

There's also some cause for optimism thanks to the return of Martin Odegaard, who made a cameo off the bench during the last minutes against Inter. Hopes are pinned on the Norwegian maestro to inspire a turnaround and lead Arsenal to reclaim their triumphant stride in west London as the Gunners hit a make-or-break juncture in their season.

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