Arsenal’s poor form continued with a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in their Champions League clash after Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty. This marked their third meeting in the competition, with the previous encounter 21 years ago, when Arsenal triumphed 5-1.
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Inter entered the match ahead of Arsenal in the table, and the Gunners hoped to bounce back with the return of Martin Ødegaard, though he was only fit for the bench.
Early chances saw Dumfries hit the crossbar and Calhanoglu’s shot narrowly miss, but the first half was largely dominated by numerous fouls and interruptions.
Arsenal appealed for a penalty after Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer punched a cross into Mikel Merino’s head, but VAR cleared the decision. The Gunners piled on pressure leading up to half-time with three corners, but couldn’t capitalize.
However, in stoppage time, Inter were awarded a penalty after Calhanoglu’s free-kick hit Merino’s hand, and the midfielder converted it calmly.
In the second half, Arsenal pushed for an equalizer. A goal-saving clearance from Dumfries and a crucial save from Sommer kept Inter ahead. Kai Havertz nearly scored, but Bisseck made a block.
Despite relentless Arsenal pressure, Inter’s defense, led by Bisseck, stood firm, and they secured their fourth clean sheet in a row. This victory moved them to fifth in the table, while Arsenal dropped to 12th.
Inter Milan Player Ratings
GK – Yann Sommer – 8/10
Commanded his goal well, making some excellent saves despite one error with a punch, and dealt with Arsenal’s pressure in the second half.
RWB – Denzel Dumfries – 8/10
Nearly scored early on and was a constant attacking threat. Made a key goal-line clearance in the second half to preserve the lead.
CB – Benjamin Pavard – 6.5/10
Solid defensively, making crucial clearances and helping to cover for Dumfries when he pushed forward.
CB – Stefan de Vrij – 6/10
Provided leadership in defense, using his experience to manage Arsenal’s attackers and add creativity with the ball.
CB – Yann Bisseck – 7/10
Strong defensively, stopping Saka’s advances and making a goal-saving block. Had a few awkward moments going forward.
LWB – Matteo Darmian – 6/10
Handled Saka well, often doubling up with Bisseck to nullify the winger’s threat. Played defensively but occasionally supported the attack.
CM – Davide Frattesi – 5/10
Had a quiet game, touching the ball only 12 times before being substituted.
CM – Hakan Calhanoglu – 8/10
Dominated the midfield and was involved in most of Inter’s attacking play. Converted the penalty confidently to give Inter the lead.
CM – Piotr Zielinski – 7/10
Played key passes and dribbled past Arsenal defenders, contributing to the build-up play without standing out.
ST – Mehdi Taremi – 6/10
Played a minor role and was largely ineffective, though his challenge in the box led to the penalty.
ST – Lautaro Martinez – 7/10
Had a physical battle with Gabriel and played some neat balls forward in the second half. Struggled to make an impact early on.
Sub – Marcus Thuram – 6/10
Protected the ball well but hesitated when through on goal, allowing Martinelli to take possession.
Sub – Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6/10
Limited involvement but was effective in his ground duels.
Sub – Nicolo Barella – 6/10
Booked quickly and didn’t have a major impact on the game.
Sub – Kristjan Asllani – 6/10
Too brief an appearance to affect the game.
Sub – Federico Dimarco – 6/10
Came on too late to influence proceedings.
Arsenal Player Ratings
GK – David Raya – 6/10
Had little to do but couldn’t stop the penalty. Struggled with long balls and was quiet in the match.
RB – Ben White – 6/10
Linking up well with Saka and made key tackles but had a quiet game overall.
CB – William Saliba – 6.5/10
Solid performance, covering ground and winning duels. His passing was accurate, and he was effective defensively.
CB – Gabriel Magalhaes – 6.5/10
Booked early for an aerial challenge with Martinez but recovered well, being solid defensively after that.
LB – Jurrien Timber – 7/10
Made important interceptions and combined well with Martinelli on the left flank.
CM – Thomas Partey – 5/10
Struggled to gain control of the game and was outplayed in midfield.
CM – Mikel Merino – 5/10
Had a tough time getting into the match and was responsible for the handball that led to the penalty.
RW – Bukayo Saka – 7/10
One of Arsenal’s brightest performers, creating chances with his dribbling and set-piece deliveries.
ST – Leandro Trossard – 6/10
Struggled to make an impact in a central role but was active in the attack when possible.
ST – Kai Havertz – 7/10
Had a tough time up front but performed well in duels with Inter’s defense. Forced off late due to a head injury.
LW – Gabriel Martinelli – 7/10
Made good runs and deliveries but was unable to create clear chances.
Sub – Gabriel Jesus – 6/10
A nuisance for the defense after coming on, but was booked for a foul on Barella.
Sub – Ethan Nwaneri – 6/10
Made his Champions League debut but had limited time and missed a late chance.
Sub – Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6/10
Looked to move the ball forward but was unable to make a significant impact.
Sub – Martin Ødegaard – N/A
Came on in stoppage time after recovering from injury.
Man of the Match
Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)
A standout performance with solid attacking contributions and key defensive actions, including a goal-line clearance and consistent pressure on Arsenal’s attacks.
