Mikel Arteta: Arsenal will have to 'earn' victory against strong Inter

The Gunners arrive in Italy's fashion capital with significant momentum, boasting a perfect record in the Champions League so far this season.

They are the only side yet to drop a point in the competition and that consistency has carried over domestically, with Mikel Arteta's team sitting seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Despite that form, Arteta has cautioned against complacency ahead of the trip to the San Siro. The manager described the fixture as a difficult challenge, particularly given recent history between the clubs.

Arsenal and Inter last crossed paths in the Champions League group stage in November last season, when the Italian side claimed a narrow 1-0 home victory. That contest was settled by a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty, converted just before half-time, and remains a reminder of the fine margins at this level.

Inter, now managed by Christian Chivu, have been less consistent in Europe this campaign, having already suffered defeats to Atletico Madrid and English side Liverpool. Nevertheless, they remain formidable opponents on home soil.

"Well, [it is] a very similar context to last year, obviously, where the two teams are at the moment is a bit different," said Arteta.

"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.

"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." 

READ MORE: Former Sundowns goalkeeper Asa Rabalao celebrates success as youth coach