Inter Milan’s win over Arsenal ended the Gunners’ unbeaten start to the UEFA Champions League this season. Hakan Calhanolgu’s penalty on the verge of half-time secured the victory for Inter as Mikel Merino was judged to have handled the ball inside the area. Despite Arsenal’s efforts, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resilient Inter defense. The defeat sees Arsenal slip to 12th spot, while Inter’s undefeated start continues as they move up to fifth. Inter’s defense has been impressive, keeping a clean sheet in all four of their opening Champions League fixtures.
Arsenal had an early scare when Denzel Dumfries rattled the crossbar with a fierce shot, but they grew into the game and threatened with dangerous corners from Bukayo Saka. However, they failed to create any significant chances in the first half. The referee’s decision to award a penalty to Inter just before half-time was controversial, as Mikel Merino was deemed to have handled the ball in close proximity to Calhanolgu’s flick on from a free-kick. Calhanolgu calmly converted the penalty to give Inter the lead.
In the second half, Arsenal looked more dangerous with Yann Bisseck and Denzel Dumfries making crucial defensive interventions to deny Kai Havertz and prevent a goal. Arsenal’s lack of a target man to capitalize on the barrage of crosses was evident, and Martin Odegaard’s late introduction was unable to inject creativity into their attacking play. Arsenal will face Chelsea in their next Premier League match, while Inter will take on Napoli in Serie A and RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Arsenal’s creativity conundrum continues, as they have struggled to create goalscoring opportunities without the injured Martin Odegaard. The Gunners have relied heavily on set-pieces and have lacked the ingenuity in their attacking play that was evident during their title charge last season. Mikel Arteta will be hoping for Odegaard’s quick return to form to prevent a potential ten-point gap from forming between Arsenal and Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Hakan Calhanolgu was named the Player of the Match for his decisive contribution in Inter’s win over Arsenal. His quality of passing, reading of the game, and calm penalty conversion were instrumental in securing the victory for Inter. Despite a game of few chances, Calhanolgu’s impact was crucial in relieving pressure on Inter and allowing them to maintain control of the match. Inter’s defensive solidity and Calhanolgu’s individual brilliance were key factors in their victory.
Overall, Inter Milan’s win over Arsenal showcased their defensive resilience and quality in key moments, while highlighting Arsenal’s struggles in attack without Martin Odegaard. The controversial penalty decision and Calhanolgu’s clinical finish proved to be the decisive factors in the game. Arsenal will need to address their lack of creativity in the final third to bounce back from this defeat, while Inter will look to maintain their unbeaten run in both Serie A and the Champions League.
