By Arsenal’s unbeaten Champions League run came to an end with a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan at San Siro, as Hakan Calhanoglu’s first-half penalty proved decisive. The Gunners, already reeling from a Premier League defeat to Newcastle, struggled in Italy, and the absence of Declan Rice due to injury was clearly felt ahead of their weekend clash with Chelsea.
Midfielder Mikel Merino found himself at the center of controversy after a handball incident led to Calhanoglu’s penalty. Despite minimal opportunity to avoid contact with the ball, Merino’s handball was penalized—a decision that might not have stood in the Premier League. Adding to Arsenal’s frustration,
Merino was denied a penalty after contact with Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, a call upheld after a VAR review.
The Gunners put in an impressive 46 crosses but failed to find the net, extending their scoreless streak to two games. Missed opportunities included William Saliba’s close-range header and a denied shot from Kai Havertz by defender Yann Bisseck. Even the return of captain Martin Odegaard, back after a lengthy injury spell, couldn’t inspire a late rally.
The defeat drops Arsenal to 12th in the Champions League standings after four matches. Inter, meanwhile, maintains their unbeaten record in the competition, moving up to fifth with 10 points.
