Inter vs Arsenal LIVE: Champions League result and reaction as Hakan Calhanoglu penalty proves decisive
Inter 1-0 Milan: Mikel Arteta’s could not convert their chances and slipped to defeat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal suffered a controversial defeat at the hands of Inter Milan in a close contest that continues their dip in form ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The Gunners came to the San Siro with high hopes of recording another European win and establishing themselves inside the top eight of the table but instead they find themselves dropping lower having conceded for the first time this season in the European top-flight.
That goal came from the penalty spot late in the first half. Mikel Merino judged to have handled the ball despite having less than a second before a deflection of Mehdi Taremi turned it onto his right arm. Unfortunately for the Gunners such incidents are given in Europe and Hakan Calhanoglu slotted home from the spot with gusto.
Mikel Arteta switched things up in the second half and threw men up the pitch. Wave after wave of Arsenal attack was repelled and even the return of Martin Odegaard – for a three-minute cameo – did nothing to lift the spirits.
Arsenal were defeated and are still in search of some inspiration to halt and turnaround their decline.
Relive the Champions League action with our live blog below:
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
75 mins: Close!
That should have been an equaliser. The ball comes into the Inter box and Pavard completely misses the ball with his attempted clearance.
It falls lovely for Kai Havert who shoots on the turn but Yann Bisseck’s lunging block deflects the ball wide of the target,
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
“It's a full-blooded effort from Arsenal, and a contrast to their rather meek response to going 1-0 down at Newcastle on Saturday.
“But while they have put a lot into the last 25 minutes, it has not produced an equaliser and Inter are starting to find some space on the counter-attack.
“Given that one of the pre-match thoughts was that a draw could suit both of these sides, it has turned into something rather more compelling and, at times, fractious.”
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
72 mins: Dumfries takes a snap shot on a rare foray up the pitch. He doesn’t catch it quite right and scuffs the shot wide of the nearest post.
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
69 mins: Inter Milan know what they’re doing now. They’ve got the lead and want to defend it. There’s been bery way in terms of forward momentum from the hosts in the second half.
Arsenal are the ones pressing the issue.
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
66 mins: Saka manages to dart in behind Yann Bisseck who does well to get back in position and turn an attempted cross behind for a corner.
Saka takes the set piece but doesn’t beat the man at the near post.
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
63 mins: Mikel Arteta is booked for interfering with play as the ball looked to be heading out of play. Arteta touches the ball but it hadn’t crossed the line.
Inter win a free kick which is booted down the left side of the pitch and given straight back to Arsenal.
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
60 mins: Off the line!
Arsenal are turning up the heat, especially from set pieces as another corner comes into the box from Saka. Pavard get s glancing touch but only manages to turn the ball towards his own net.
Fortunately, Dumfries is on hand to scoop it away.
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
57 mins: Saka looks to make something happen for Arsenal and squirts a right-footed cross into the six-yard box. Arsenal have men sprinting towards the ball but Benjamin Pavard gets his head to it first and dinks it out of the area.
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
“Intriguing move to bring Gabriel Jesus on when Mikel Merino went off.
“It suggests, understandably, that Martin Odegaard is not going to be risked for 45 minutes and, without Declan Rice, there were not too many other options but while Kai Havertz has dropped a bit deeper, Arsenal are in effect playing with a front five now.
“There are times when Mikel Arteta can seem too cautious. That accusation cannot be levelled now.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments