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 0-0 Arsenal
43 mins: Davide Frattesi makes a dart into the box as the ball loops over the Arsenal defence. He manages to turn the bouncing ball across the area but Ben White rises highest and nods it away under pressure.
This game needs a goal.
Inter 0-0 Arsenal
40 mins: Arsenal win another corner and it’s Saka on duty again. He delivers it into the penalty area and the ball drops to Partey at the near post.
He’s got his back to goal so attempts to flick a pass over to his teammates waiting in the middle. It almost comes off but Inter sweep it away without too much fuss.
Inter 0-0 Arsenal
37 mins: Stefan de Vrij is under pressure from Bukayo Saka but wins a goal-kick by kicking the ball off the Arsenal captain.
The match has sort of fizzled out and is now in a state of steady, controlled and slow build-up play.
Inter 0-0 Arsenal
“Arsenal's best spell of the game so far, albeit a painful one for Mikel Merino, clattered by Yann Sommer in a way that could have brought a penalty but, because of the double standards surrounding goalkeepers, did not.
“But the wingers have carried the fight to Inter, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli getting Arsenal back into the match with their willingness to run at the Italian champions.”
Inter 0-0 Arsenal
32 mins: The game is getting a little feisty in the middle of the pitch. A few more physical challenges going in as both teams wrestle for control of possession and thus the game.
Quite a lot of fouls being committed making the referee work.
Inter 0-0 Arsenal
29 mins: Mikel Merino stays down after getting clattered on the head by Yann Sommer. Gabriel Martinelli floats in the set piece and Merino gets to the aerial ball first.
As he heads it towards goal, Sommer comes out looking to punch and connects with the side of Merino’s head. VAR take a look at the incident but decide it isn’t penalty worthy.
Inter 0-0 Arsenal
26 mins: Decent from Bukayo Saka.
He makes a classic move of cutting in from the left wing and fizzing left-footed curling effort at goal. Yann Sommer is up to the taks of keeping it out but Arsenal are showing their threat now.
Inter 0-0 Arsenal
23 mins: Jurrien Timber lunges into a late tackle and catch his opponent on the shin. There’s no malice there just a desire to recover the ball.
Still, free kick to Inter in the middle of the pitch.
Arsenal weather early storm
“Arsenal have had to weather an early storm. Inter almost scored twice in the first three minutes and the San Siro has made for a hostile place to visit, the sound coming down from the steepling stands, Simone Inzaghi's side starting at pace.
“Inter's 3-5-2 formation is a bit of an anomaly at elite level and gives them a man advantage in the centre of the pitch, plus they can excel at switching play to the raiding wing-backs, Denzel Dumfries in particular.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments