- Arsenal suffered a narrow defeat to Inter Milan following a controversial penalty
- Mikel Merino was adjudged in first half stoppage time to have handled in the box
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
A controversial first half penalty saw Arsenal suffer a 1-0 defeat against Inter Milan in a setback to their Champions League campaign.
Mikel Merino was penalised on the stroke of half-time for a handball, after the ball struck the Arsenal midfielder from close range in the box 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 equaliser in the second half, with the Gunners suffering back-to-back defeats following their weekend loss against Newcastle.
Mail Sport’s Issan Khan rates the players as Arteta’s side came up short in Milan.
Hakan Calhanoglu scored from the penalty spot to give Inter Milan the lead against Arsenal
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino was penalised 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
Lucky that Denzel Dumfries’ early strike struck the crossbar. Beaten by a good penalty.
BEN WHITE: 5.5
Wasn’t overlapping on the wings, suggesting he may still be getting over an injury.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 6.5
Did his best not to get stretched to the wide areas. Missed a good chance to score in the second half.
GABRIEL: 6.5
His pace saved both him and his side a couple of times, getting to interceptions in the nick of time.
Ben White did not overlap much during the match, suggesting he is still getting over an injury
Inter Milan did well to restrict the supply to Bukayo Saka and kept the Arsenal star contained
JURRIEN TIMBER: 6
Had a very physical battle with Denzel Dumfries. Did well in advancing play to the final third.
BUKAYO SAKA: 6
The opposition did well to cut off supply to the winger. And when Saka did get the ball, the Inter players kept him contained into limited spaces.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6
Gave the ball away early on, which nearly resulted in a goal after three minutes. Bounced back well in the middle with composure.
MIKEL MERINO: 5.5
Struggled to get a foothold in the game. Conceded a penalty for accidental handball. Hooked at half-time.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6.5
Became an outlet going forward after the early Inter pressure. Made some good crosses into the box.
Merino struggled to get a foothold in the game and was hooked by Arteta at half-time
Kai Havertz was ineffective in the first half and was moved to midfield in the second
KAI HAVERTZ: 5.5
Ineffective in the first half, so was moved to midfield.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 5.5
Didn’t get into threatening positions and when on the ball, failed to make use of it.
Substitutes –
GABRIEL JESUS: 6
Came on with energy and tried to impact the game with movement into dangerous areas.
INTER MILAN (3-5-2): Sommer 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).
