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
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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:
Arsenal will want revenge after Newcastle defeat warns Inzaghi
Inter boss Simone Inzaghi warned his team: “It is likely that they (Arsenal) have reasons for revenge.
“I watched them play against Newcastle, but playing away to them is really tough. It was an interesting match, but we know that we will be facing a side that will want to put on a show.”
Simone Inzaghi warns Inter to expect Arsenal backlash
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi believes Arsenal will be out for revenge ahead of their Champions League clash at the San Siro.
The Gunners head into the fixture having taken just one point from their last three Premier League matches, and only four days after they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.
Inter are unbeaten in their last seven games and have not conceded a goal in Europe so far this term.
Simone Inzaghi warns Inter to expect Arsenal backlash
The Gunners go into their Champions League match having taken just one point in three Premier League games.
Inter Milan line-up
Inter XI: Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bisseck; Dumfries, Frttesi, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Darmian; Taremi, L. Martinez
Subs: Gennaro, J. Martinez, Arnautovic, Thuram, Acerbi, Buchanan, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Barella, Dimarco, Bastoni
Arsenal line-up
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Merino, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
Subs: Neto, Setford, Odegaard, Jesus, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Robinson
Can Arsenal win in Europe again?
Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoyed a strong start in Europe with a draw away at Atalanta before successive home wins against Paris St Germain and Shakhtar Donetsk.
“In moments when you have a defeat or two or certain news nobody expects, we stick together and bring positive energy,” said Arteta.
“My blood is pumping because this is the kind of game we want to play. They [Inter] were in the final of the Champions League two years ago. They won the Scudetto last year.
“We want to show the ambition we have. These are the games we want to play, that’s for sure.”
Arteta on Rice’s absence
The Arsenal boss said: “Declan unfortunately picked up an injury against Newcastle,” said Arteta.
“It is a knock, a problem on his foot, and he wasn’t comfortable to put his boots on so at the moment he is not fit. He wasn’t feeling good the last few days.
“We’ll have to assess him on Thursday and see if he’s ready for Chelsea.”
Declan Rice injury blow for Arsenal ahead of Champions League trip to Milan
Declan Rice has been ruled out of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Inter Milan in the latest injury blow to manager Mikel Arteta.
Rice sustained a foot problem in the Gunners’ 1-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle and has not travelled to Italy.
Arsenal, who trail leaders Liverpool by seven points, face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Declan Rice injury blow for Arsenal ahead of Champions League trip to Milan
Rice sustained a foot problem in the Gunners’ 1-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle and has not travelled to Italy.
Saka will captain Arsenal
In Odegaard’s absence, Bukayo Saka was given the captain’s armband and has been developing his leadership skills on and off the pitch.
Arteta explained why he chose Saka to fill Odegaard’s shoes saying: “People admire and respect him – he’s one of our biggest players and our biggest talents but also one of our leaders. He’s earned that status in the team.”
Arteta on Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has returned to training for Arsenal and could feature in tonight’s match though it seems safe to assume he would be a substitute.
The Gunners’ captain has recovered from injury but may not be match fit yet. Mikel Arteta spoke about Odegaard’s return at his press conference yesterday saying: “Great to have him back for a full session today.
“He felt good and he wanted to be with the team. We will decide if we use him tomorrow.”
‘Arsenal are not just Saka'
Inter Milan defender Matteo Darmian spoke about his team’s ambition and what they want to take away from tonight’s match saying: “Our ambitions are always high. Every day we try to improve, and now we want to show it on the pitch.
“We know that we’ll face a strong team, but we’re no different, and we’ll take confidence from playing in our stadium.”
Darmian also explained how Inter are preparing for Arsenal’s threats not just singling out Bukayo Saka as the one to watch. He added: “Arsenal are not just Saka; they are a great collective. We will have to perform well as a team if we want to get a result.”
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