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
51 mins: Arsenal’s eighth corner of the game is floated into the six yard area. Yann Sommer comes for the ball but has to retreat and it clips to top of William Saliba’s head.
The Arsenal centre-back not quite managing to turn the ball towards goal.
Inter 1-0 Arsenal
48 mins: Jesus has slotted into the No. 9 role with Havertz now playing as a 10. Partey is sitting ahead of the defence on his own as the lone defensive midfielder.
The gunners works the ball up the pitch quickly and slip in Gabriel Martinelli. He drills a shot towards the near post but hits the side netting.
Second half! Inter 1-0 Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has made a change at the half-time break and has replaced Mikel Merino with Gabriel Jesus. That’s an attacking change and should signal Arsenal’s intent for the second half.
HT Inter 1-0 Arsenal
All nine of Hakan Calhanoglu’s Champions League goals have been scored in home games (five for Bayer Leverkusen, four for Inter) – the most by a player with 100% coming at home in the competition’s history.
HT Inter 1-0 Arsenal
“It’s ruined our game to be honest”.
Martin Keown had strong words for the referee decision over the Inter Milan penalty.
In all honesty he’s not wrong. Mikel Merino hd no idea the ball was heading for his hand, the reaction time was less tha half a second.
Earlier in the match, Yann Sommer punched Merino in the head and there was no punishment. Swings and roundabouts but Mikel Arteta won’t be happy.
Half-time! Inter 1-0 Arsenal
45+3 mins: Right at the end of the first half Inter Milan take the lead. Arsenal have work to do to come back from this position. It’s going to be a big team talk for Mikel Arteta.
GOAL! Inter 1-0 Arsenal (Hakan Calhanoglou, 45+3’)
Calhanoglou is made to wait while VAR check a possible offside in the build-up. It’s all fine and he rolls the penalty right down the middle as David Raya leaps to his left.
Inter take the lead.
Penalty! Inter 0-0 Arsenal
45+2 mins: Inter win a free kick that comes into Arsenal box. Mehdi Taremi flicks the ball on and it hits Mikel Merino who is on his shoulder.
Merion has his right arm in the arm and the ball strikes it. The referee points to the spot immediately.
Inter 0-0 Arsenal
45 mins: Hakan Calhanoglu throws a little paddy over Arsenal being awarded a corner. He escapes punishment but the referee has a word with him.
Saka’s delivery is another decent one but Arsenal can’t capitalise again.
Two minutes of added time to play.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments