Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to show their growth against Inter Milan in the Champions League as they look to maintain their unbeaten record.

Arteta has challenged his Arsenal side to show how far they have come when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League, hoping to turn last season’s disappointment into a statement performance.

Arsenal’s only defeat in last season’s group phase came against Inter at the San Siro, and the Spaniard is eager for his team to demonstrate their improvement as they return to Milan on Tuesday.

The Gunners arrive in Italy in outstanding form, sitting top of the Champions League standings with a perfect record and remaining the competition’s only unbeaten team heading into the penultimate matchday.

Arteta knows the task will be anything but straightforward, with Inter once again among Europe’s elite after finishing runners-up in both Serie A and the Champions League last season and now leading the Italian league under new manager Cristian Chivu.

“It’s a very similar context to last year,” Arteta told reporters. “The task will be equally difficult, but watching it back, we had a really strong performance here and lost by a very small margin.”

Arsenal’s confidence is also boosted by an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions. “Performance and results have an emotional impact on the team,” Arteta said. “The aim is to come here and win the game. That’s a step we didn’t take last year, and we have to show that we are better.”

While Inter are the immediate focus, Arsenal also have one eye on Sunday’s Premier League clash with a resurgent Manchester United, but Arteta insists his players are embracing the relentless standards required at the top level.

A draw in Milan would be enough to secure Arsenal’s place in the last 16, while a win would guarantee a top-two finish and home advantage deep into the knockout rounds.