Arsenal’s Champions League campaign hit a bump as they suffered a second consecutive defeat, losing 1-0 to Inter Milan at the iconic San Siro. Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty in the first half was all it took for Inter to secure the win, leaving Arsenal without points from a tough night in Italy.
Mikel Arteta’s squad faced Inter without key midfielder Declan Rice, sidelined due to injury, adding further strain to an already challenging week. After last weekend’s controversial loss to Newcastle in the Premier League, the Gunners now look ahead to another high-stakes league match against Chelsea. Rice’s absence was deeply felt as Arsenal lacked the midfield control they needed against a dynamic Inter side, marking Arsenal’s first European defeat of the season.
The game’s only goal came after a contentious moment involving Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino. A handball call against Merino—while attempting to block Mehdi Taremi’s flick—led to Calhanoglu’s spot-kick. Despite the limited movement Merino could make, the referee pointed to the spot, a call that might not have stood under Premier League rules.
Earlier in the match, Merino had a penalty claim of his own. When Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer punched clear a cross from Gabriel Martinelli, he made contact with Merino’s head in the process. However, VAR didn’t deem it enough for a reversal, leaving Arsenal frustrated by another close decision.
Arteta’s side pressed for an equalizer as the game wore on, creating several promising opportunities. William Saliba came close with a strong header, while Kai Havertz saw his effort brilliantly blocked by Inter’s Yann Bisseck, who started ahead of the usual defensive stalwart, Alessandro Bastoni.
The much-anticipated return of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, back after a lengthy injury layoff, brought renewed hope in the closing stages. But even Odegaard’s presence couldn’t spark a comeback, and Arsenal ended the night goalless for the second consecutive game. The result dropped Arsenal down to 12th place in the Champions League standings after four matchdays.
On the other hand, Inter Milan’s steady form sees them rise to fifth place, now in one of the automatic qualification spots with 10 points and an unbeaten record in the competition so far. Having faced both Arsenal and Manchester City, Inter look well-prepared to advance as they continue their impressive Champions League run.
