Cristian Chivu issues Arsenal Champions League warning after Inter Milan loss | OneFootball

Inter boss has credited Arsenal for a deserved win

Mikel Arteta opted to make seven changes to the team that started the goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, and Chivu highlighted Arsenal’s strength in depth.

"Tough night for the loss. We tried to stay in the game and tried our best,” the Inter boss told Amazon Prime. “We had our chances at 1-1. We tried our best in the second half but the changes and quality they had put us under pressure.

"We knew this was one of the best teams in Europe. They're first without losing. The depth is important. We tried to play our game, tried to get something out of it but it didn't happen.

“We knew Arsenal were good. They have quality, pace, intensity, individual players. When we managed to win duels we then created chances, but we didn't take them.

“Arsenal deserved to win because they were more clinical. We need to keep the right mentality and be ready to face every game and every challenge."

Arsenal players celebrate Viktor Gyokeres’ goal against Inter Milan

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Victory for Arsenal means they have sealed a place in the last-16 of the Champions League as well as a top two finish which comes with the additional bonus of hosting the second legs in their knockout matches.

The Gunners are regarded by many as one of the favourites to lift European football’s biggest prize, though Chivu - a winner of the competition with Inter in 2010 - has warned “anything can happen” in the latter stages.

He added: "In my opinion, Arsenal with Bayern Munich are the two best teams for the moment but anything can happen when the latter stages come in.”