Wasteful Arsenal loses in Italy to Inter Milan

Arsenal’s poor run of form continued on Wednesday evening in the UEFA Champions League as their 1-0 defeat in Italy to Inter Milan now means that the Gunners have now only won once in six away games in all competitions. In contrast, the Nerazzuris were able to stretch their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions.

Arsenal were facing a much different Inter Milan as the Blue half of Milan prepared for their Serie A clash at the weekend against league leaders Napoli. However, it didn’t stop them from threatening Arsenal as Denzel Dumfries’ outside-the-boot effort came back off the woodwork just two minutes in.

Minutes later, Turkish midfielder, Hakan Çalhanoğlu flashed an effort just wide from distance throwing Arsenal on the back foot. When Arsenal grew into the game, their first first first half aeffort was from Bukayo Saka but it was comfortably gathered by Yann Sommer.

Just as things were going smoothly, Arsenal went from having a penalty shout to conceding a penalty as Mikel Merino was penalized for handball. Hakan Çalhanoğlu stepped up and scored his 19th successive spot-kick as the hosts led into the break.

Gabriel Martinelli led Arsenal’s push for an early second-half equalizer early, but his left-footed shot only struck the side-netting while Denzel Dumfries cleared off the line from Saka’s corner moments later.

German forward Kai Havertz could have equalized when he unleashed a curler that looked destined for the top corner, but Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer tipped it over.

Despite the second half dominance from the Gunners Inter Milan stood resolute for a UCL clean sheet that was further helped by a poor finishing from Arsenal. Arsenal have now lost their unbeaten start while Inter maintained their impressive unbeaten start to the league phase with three wins and a draw.

While Inter Milan face Napoli in the Serie A next, Arsenal will hope to bounce back with a Premier League game at Chelsea.