Inter Milan’s victory over Arsenal marked their fifth consecutive clean sheet in the UEFA Champions League, continuing their undefeated start to the competition. Hakan Calhanolgu’s penalty just before half-time proved to be the decisive moment in a game where clear-cut chances were at a premium. Arsenal, on the other hand, struggled to break down Inter’s resolute defense and failed to capitalize on their set-piece opportunities. The Gunners’ creativity conundrum was once again highlighted, with their reliance on Martin Odegaard evident following his return from injury.
Despite Arsenal’s unbeaten start in the Champions League coming to an end, they will be hoping to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures against Chelsea in the Premier League and Sporting in Europe. Inter’s victory sees them move up to fifth in the standings, maintaining their undefeated streak and solid defensive record. Calhanolgu’s performance was key to Inter’s success, with the Turkish international not only converting the decisive penalty but also showcasing his quality in passing and game reading.
The lack of creativity in Arsenal’s attack was evident once again in their defeat to Inter, with Arteta’s side struggling to create clear-cut chances in front of goal. The return of Odegaard provided a glimpse of hope for the Gunners, but it remains to be seen if he can single-handedly solve their offensive woes. In contrast, Inter’s defensive solidity and ability to grind out results have been instrumental in their unbeaten start to the competition.
The key moments of the match included Arsenal’s missed chances, most notably when Taremi’s defensive header was cleared off the line by Dumfries. Calhanolgu’s spot-kick just before half-time ultimately separated the two sides, with the penalty decision sparking controversy due to the proximity of Merino and Taremi. Inter’s early let-off, as Dumfries rattled the crossbar in the opening minutes, set the tone for a tightly contested match.
Player ratings saw Calhanolgu earn the accolade of Player of the Match, with his composure in converting the penalty and overall quality in passing standing out. Inter’s defensive resilience was evident throughout the game, with Bisseck and Dumfries making crucial interventions to deny Arsenal. Arsenal’s attacking threat, led by Saka and Havertz, failed to find a breakthrough despite their efforts to create opportunities through set-pieces and crosses.
As Arsenal looks to regroup and address their creativity issues, their focus shifts to upcoming league and European fixtures against tough opposition. Inter, on the other hand, will aim to build on their strong start to the Champions League as they continue their pursuit of success in both domestic and continental competitions. The narrative of the season will unfold further as both teams navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
