- Arsenal suffered a narrow defeat to Inter Milan after a controversial penalty
- Mikel Merino was assessed in stoppage time of the first half for acting in the penalty area
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A controversial first-half penalty saw Arsenal suffer a 1–0 defeat to Inter Milan, a setback to their Champions League campaign.
Mikel Merino was penalized for a handball on the stroke of half-time after the ball hit the Arsenal midfielder from close range in the penalty area following a free kick.
Hakan Calhanoglu converted from the spot to give the Italian champions the lead at the San Siro.
Mikel Arteta’s side were unable to find an equalizer in the second half, with the Gunners suffering back-to-back defeats following their defeat to Newcastle at the weekend.
Mail Sport’s Issan Khan rates the players as Arteta’s side fell short in Milan.
Hakan Calhanoglu scored from the penalty spot to give Inter Milan the lead against Arsenal
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino was penalized for handball on the stroke of half-time at the San Siro
Mikel Arteta’s side suffered their first defeat of their Champions League campaign
ARSENAL (4-4-2)
DAVID RAYA: 6
Fortunately, Denzel Dumfries’ early goal hit the crossbar. Defeated by a good penalty.
AM WHITE: 5.5
The wings did not overlap, indicating he may still be over an injury.
WILLEM SALIBA: 6.5
Tried his best not to spread out over the wide areas. In the second half he missed a good chance to score.
GABRIEL: 6.5
His pace saved both him and his team a few times and came close to making interceptions.
Ben White didn’t overlap much during the match, suggesting he’s still getting over an injury
Inter Milan did well to limit supplies to Bukayo Saka and keep the Arsenal star confined
JURRIEN HOUT: 6
Had a very physical fight with Dumfries. Did well in advancing the game into the final third.
BUKAYO SAKA: 6
The opposition did well to cut off the winger’s supply. And when Saka got the ball, the Inter players kept him confined in confined spaces.
THOMAS PARTY: 6
He gave the ball away early, which almost resulted in a goal after three minutes. Came back well with composure in the middle.
MIKEL MERINO: 5.5
It took effort to gain a foothold in the game. Received a penalty for accidental handball. Crocheted during half time.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6.5
Became an outlet for the future after Inter’s early pressure. Made some good crosses into the box.
Merino struggled to gain a foothold in the match and was caught by Arteta at half-time
Kai Havertz was ineffective in the first half and was moved to midfield in the second half
KAI HAVERTZ: 5.5
Ineffective in the first half, so was moved to midfield.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 5.5
Did not get into threatening positions and when he had the ball, he did not take advantage of it.
Substitutes
GABRIEL JESUS: 6
Came with energy and tried to influence the game through movement into dangerous areas.
INTER MILAN (3-5-2): Summer 6.5; Pavard 6.5, De Vrij 6, Bisseck 6; Dumfries 6.5, Frattesi 6 (Barella 62min, 6), Calhanoglu 7.5 (Asllani 71, 6), Zielinski 6 (Mkhitaryan 62, 6), Darmian 6; Taremi 6, Martinez 7 (Thuram 62, 6).