Inter Milan vs Arsenal Report
Scorer: Calhanoglu 45+3’ (P)
Inter Milan 1-0 Arsenal: Gunners’ Struggles Continue as Çalhanoğlu Penalty Secures Victory
Arsenal‘s away woes extended in a hard-fought 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan, as the Italian side maintained their unbeaten start to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage.
The Gunners’ inconsistency on the road was once again exposed as a first-half penalty from Hakan Çalhanoğlu proved decisive.
First Half: Inter Dominance and Arsenal Setback
Despite fielding a rotated side with an eye on their upcoming league match against Napoli, Inter Milan nearly took an early lead, with Denzel Dumfries’ stunning outside-of-the-boot shot hitting the crossbar within two minutes.
Arsenal initially struggled to keep pace with the hosts, who continued to press high. Hakan Çalhanoğlu then fired just wide, keeping the pressure on the visitors.
Arsenal eventually settled and began to create opportunities, with Bukayo Saka’s shot testing Yann Sommer.
But the Gunners’ hopes of reaching half time level were dashed when Mikel Merino conceded a penalty for handball. Çalhanoğlu calmly converted his 19th consecutive spot-kick, striking down the middle to give Inter a deserved lead at the break.
Second Half: Arsenal Push for an Equaliser
Mikel Arteta’s side emerged stronger after the interval, with Gabriel Martinelli narrowly missing the target and Dumfries clearing a dangerous corner from Saka. Kai Havertz’s curling attempt nearly levelled the score, but Sommer reacted brilliantly to tip it over.
Inter, sensing the momentum shift, bolstered their lineup with Marcus Thuram and Nicolò Barella.
However, Arsenal continued to press forward. Havertz saw a goal-bound strike heroically blocked by Yann Bisseck, but clear-cut chances remained scarce for the Gunners as Inter’s defence held firm.
Conclusion: Inter Remain Unbeaten, Arsenal’s Away Woes Continue
Inter’s fourth consecutive UCL clean sheet secured their third win in four league phase matches, while Arsenal suffered their first defeat and extended their winless streak in Italy to five UCL games.
The result highlights Arsenal’s struggles on the road, leaving them with much to work on as they look to improve their form in upcoming fixtures.
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