Arsenal’s poor run of form following the October international break continued with a narrow 1-0 loss to Italian Champions Inter Milan despite a more encouraging showing.
Mikel Arteta was given a boost ahead of the game, with captain Martin Ødegaard returning to the squad following an ankle injury that saw him miss 12 games. Ben White returned to the starting XI, with Thomas Partey moving back into a familiar midfield position with Declan Rice kept out due to a minor injury picked up in the away defeat to Newcastle United.
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi made a number of changes to his team with a top of the table clash versus Napoli at the weekend in mind, star midfielder Nicolo Barella was on the bench, as was the impressive left-wing back Federico Dimarco. Former Arsenal man Henrikh Mkhitaryan was also amongst the Inter substitutes.
With over 70,000 home fans behind them, the home side started strong, and was inches away from taking the lead in the opening two minutes as a half-volley from Denzel Dumfires smashed against David Raya’s crossbar. Turkish midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu also came close in the opening stages, firing wide from distance to increase the early pressure on Arsenal.
However, Arsenal soon began to find their feet midway through the half and started controlling the game. Yann Sommer was called into action for the first time with a stop low down to deny Bukayo Saka. The Gunners soon had a penalty shout when a Gabriel Martinelli cross was met by Mikel Merino, but the Spanish midfielder was also punched square in the head by Sommer as the Swiss goalkeeper attempted to punch away the delivery, however nothing was given.
Despite that, Arsenal would see a penalty decision go against them at the other end right at the conclusion of the first period, with a strike smashing off Merino’s arm inside the penalty box from point-blank range, it was a harsh decision considering the distance, but UEFA’s rules differ to that of the Premier League. And the decision was soon confirmed following a VAR check, and Çalhanoğlu made no mistake from the spot to give Inter the lead against the run of play with what was the final action of the first half and a real sucker punch to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta opted for an attack-minded half-time substitution, with Merino making way for Gabriel Jesus during the break. And Arsenal started the half how they ended the first, controlling the ball and pinning Inter back in their own half. Martinelli hit the side netting in the opening minutes, and Sommer was soon needed to claw away a Kai Havertz effort.
However, it looked like it was going to be one of those days for Arsenal when two huge chances went begging later on in as the second half ticked on. A corner from Saka was met by Gabriel adn heading for the bottom corner, but Dumfries was well-placed to clear off the line. And their was some more impressive Inter defending soon later as A goalbound effort from Havertz was blocked brilliantly by Yann Bisseck. Arteta brought on youngster Ethan Nwaneri and Captain Martin Odegaard in an attempt to find a late equaliser, but it just wouldn’t go in and Inter held out for a 1-0 win despite Arsenal’s overall dominance.
Arsenal will need to start picking up better results however, with a huge London derby versus Chelsea the next test for mikel Arteta’s team.
Player Ratings:
David Raya: 6 – Barely challenged with Inter’s one shot on target coming from the spot
Ben White: 6 – Did ok linking up with Saka
William Saliba: 7 – Dealt well with Martinez and later Thuram
Gabriel: 7 – Same as Saliba
Jurrien Timber: 6 – Struggled at times in the first half but improved in the 2nd
Thomas Partey: 7 – Another strong showing from the Ghanian who did well at the base of the midfield
Mikel Merino: 5 – Average before being forced off at half-time
Leandro Trossard: 4 – Struggled again in a central role
Bukayo Saka: 6 – Worked hard and tried to create with crosses but it just didn’t happen for Arsenal’s number seven
Kai Havertz: 7 – Held up the ball well and looked Arsenal’s best player going forwards
Gabriel Martinelli: 6 – Same as Saka