Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, White, Timber, Partey, Merino, Havertz, Martinelli, Saka, Trossard
Subs: Neto, Setford, Robinson, Lewis-Skelly, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Butler-Oyedeji, Sterling, Jesus
Arsenal suffered their first Champions League defeat of the season after falling 1-0 to Inter at San Siro, thanks to a controversial first half penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu.
Mikel Arteta made one change to the side that lost against Newcastle on Sunday, with Ben White replacing the injured Declan Rice who didn’t travel to Milan with the matchday squad.
In more positive news, captain Martin Odegaard was named among the substitutes after missing the last two months with an ankle injury suffered on international duty.
Arsenal made a poor start and could have fallen behind after two minutes when Denzel Dumfries found himself free at the back post but smacked his effort against the crossbar.
Moments later, Thomas Partey gave the ball away under zero pressure which gifted Calhanoglu a shot from distance which trickled just wide. Arteta was quickly up and out of his chair in frustration after watching his team early on.
Heading into the 20th minute, the Gunners did eventually get a foothold in the game and looked dangerous from set pieces although Inter defended two or three teasing deliveries well.
There was another chance for Inter after a mix up between Gabriel and Saliba on halfway, but after being played through on goal, central defender Yann Bisseck looked unconvincing and was eventually caught by the Brazilian.
Arsenal had a big chance to take the lead when Martinelli found Merino making a trademark late run into the box, who headed over under pressure from goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
However, replays showed the Spaniard was actually punched in the head by Sommer – who missed the ball completely – and was lucky not to concede a penalty despite VAR checking the incident.
Heading towards half time, the Gunners looked more assured and were keeping possession nicely without creating any clear opportunities, but would go into the break one goal down after conceding a penalty.
A seemingly harmless free kick was diverted towards goal by Mehdi Taremi whose flick hit the arm of Merino, which the referee had no issues giving after Inter raised their hands in appeal.
Handball rules are stricter in the Champions League but this was another incident where a player was penalised for simply having arms – not intentionally blocking the ball or making their bodies bigger. Calhanoglu stepped up and rolled the ball down the middle to give his side the lead. 1-0.
Arteta wasted little time looking to change things at half time, bringing Gabriel Jesus on for Merino in what could only be described as an attacking switch.
After an even start to the second half, Arsenal were inches away from equalising after Gabriel attacked another Bukayo Saka corner well at the near post but his glancing effort was cleared off the line by Dumfries.
Havertz almost scored an audacious curler (chip?) moments later but Sommer reacted well to tip over the bar, when the shot initially looked destined for the top corner.
With half an hour to play, Arteta was amusingly next to be carded after grabbing the ball before it had gone out of play by the touchline, to the amusement of the referee.
There was another great chance for Havertz after a deflected Martinelli cross fell his way in the penalty area, but his quick touch and shot was blocked brilliantly by Bisseck who threw himself in front of the ball and stopped a certain goal.
With ten minutes remaining, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ethan Nwaneri replaced Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard, with the latter unable to influence the game in attacking areas again.
Despite dominating possession and launching a series of crosses into the Inter box, the Gunners couldn’t find space or that necessary bit of luck to force any opportunities which summed up another frustrating night.
Nwaneri did show one moment of brilliance, dancing away from Davide Frattesi on the half turn but blazed his shot over from 20 yards after it opened up for him.
The Nerazzurri are a good team with a strong home record, but Arsenal showed signs of improvement from recent performances and ultimately – the difference between both teams was a harshly awarded penalty.
Arteta and his team won’t take much comfort in the result but the extended Champions League format allows them to, ahead of another big away game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Conned again by refereeing decisions this season, but that’s not really the full story.
Two seasons ago Arsenal were irresistible and exciting to watch, cutting through teams at will. Last season was workmanlike, but effective. This year it’s pragmatic and lacking any cutting edge.
Something has to change.
We’ve become a set piece team; can play another 100 minutes won’t score
We’ve somehow regressed to those first MA days with William…It can’t all be because of Odegaard missing?
Believe it or not, it has very much to do with Ødegaard. It’s strange how people have no idea how much this team is built around him. Even stranger yet are those who actually thought him being out was a good thing.
So single point of failure? Not a very smart strategy
So coming into the season we didn’t envisage a possible Odegaard injury to clarify a plan b outside trossard occupying space and no more?
We have to do better than this. We have to be better than this!
We got some good players running quickly around.
I thought a bit the same. We’re very physical but Inter players we very good on the ball and it’s not the first time in the CL we feel a bit exposed technically.
Agreed that we don’t create enough but that was really tough luck to concede a penalty because of the ridiculous handball rule. Citeh only managed a goalless draw against Inter at the Etihad. Tonight should’ve been a goalless draw too. We may not be scoring enough goals but we aren’t having much luck either.
Please enough of this excuses the ref was okay. Was there any bad decisions against us in the Newcastle game. Let just accept truth, we have been below par going forward. Martinelli had zero shot if I am correct. Trossard if not 1 same same as Martinelli. We have just been poor
The referee was weak and inconsistent. Just before the penalty, Lautaro Martinez should have been shown a second yellow for waving an imaginary card in the ref’s face. And before that, we should have had a penalty for Merino getting punched in the head. As for the penalty that was actually awarded – never in the lifetime of the universe is that a penalty. Merino’s arm was NOT in an unnatural position, and the ball was driven at him with pace and deflected up onto his arm from less than two yards. The only way to avoid that is for… Read more »
Come on give it a rest, if an arsenal player got 2 yellows for that there would be a meltdown on here, and rightly so. We got what we deserved from the game tonight, same as Saturday.
Both can be true at the same time. When you’re not at your best the last thing you need is more stupid referee decisions. A penalty for having arms, a free kick every time a Milan player threw themselves on the floor. Milan have a team with massive depth, Arsenal are not there yet. The team were trying hard, the injuries to two very important players was a huge handicap, we learn and go again.
Pragmatic? I think not. Boring and ponderous. Absolutely.
I remember us losing at PSV in Europe two years ago and playing absolute shite. We also beat Zurich 1-0 at home and Tierney scored in a diabolical performance. I think your narrative is flawed
No, refs and injuries is our story. Also, teams know we’re good now. You can’t cut through a low block. The reality is that we’ve had some real bad luck. It happens. It happened to Liverpool after they won the title and they just made top four. We just have to suck it up and do as well as we can. Arteta is a good manager.
Teams played low block against us last season… we figured it out, punished them for it. Maybe we are unlucky that odegaard was injured, but if losing him was going to render us defunct, maybe we should have got adequate cover? I think we just prepared poorly for this season and are paying the price.
Nwaneri did so much more in 10 minutes than Trossard did in 80.
Thought both played well actually
Trossard played well !!!! He was awful.
Dreadful. And not for the first time. Couldn’t even drop a shoulder to beat a man once. Totally ineffective in that 10 role.
Those last 30 seconds encapsulated zinchenko and jesus so well, one with 0 urgency and passing back, the other running down dead-ends. Sigh.
Incredibly, we just can’t catch a fucking break.
We made about 50 fouls in that game but I’m convinced half of those weren’t fouls but just Inter players falling over and the ref blowing the whistle
Definitely the reason why we lost again today
(ironic mode on)
Ref was poor but our preparation for this season was even poorer.
Turned up to school without a notebook. Borrowed a raheem Sterling shaped piece of paper from Chelsea…
That’s the bigger problem. Inter were good, but beatable.
It’s ugly stuff. I can’t watch Italian football, maybe more miserable watching us have to play it.
Totally agree. Inter dove like swans the whole match and that idiot referee bought it every time.
Saw enough in the second half to convince myself results will pick up. Great to have Martin back. Arteta makes his subs too late in the game for players to have any impact, you only need look at inter who change the dynamic and freshened things up early in the second half.
What we’ve lacked with Ø out isn’t just creativity but also the end product Trossard provides us on that left wing. He hasn’t been great as an 8 but boy have we missed the goods he delivers when he comes on in such games.
I believe we will get better
We peaked under Arteta last season. Time for a change.
No, it was the season before. Much more exciting.
Give over- did you even watch the match?
I watched the game and we was terrible! You’re the guy who thought trossard played well?
Yes, he did play well. And you’re the guy who thought we played terrible?
These guys just listen to the commentators who jyst blab on about how wonderful Inter were and how useless Arsenal were.
Completely bolox
Exactly- was driving me mad
So, when do we start having conversations about this manager? Inzaghi was able to rest his best players and start a team costing £72m in total and comfortably beat an expensively assembled team completely in Arteta’s image.
Or is this another Wenger-type thing where we just plod along? Why is this fanbase always allergic to making changes when they’re necessary?
Jack, respectfully, you’re chatting shit.
Not really fair to say chatting shit. We have been poor this season. Injuries and misfortune and mistakes but poor. I don’t say Arteta out but I do say things have to improve. Let’s stop talking about titles and start focusing on clean sheets creating chances winning games, creating enjoyable football. We have earnt nothing this season… Stay humble and start building something worth watching
Team selection. Playing players all over the place away from their natural position. Throwing on Nwaneri every game we’re losing to try and save his neck but never giving him actual chances to begin a match. Signing rugby players like Merino that simply do not look Premier League standard while we lose all technical ability in the team that we once had. Unable to create any sustained chances in open play. Etc etc etc, you can go on and on. Other club’s do not wait as long as Arsenal do to pull the trigger. And they are all more successful… Read more »
£72m what a load of nonsense.
This is not a criticism of Martinelli, considering his game is very predictable and lacks creativity most of the time, it does not suit us to play him for 90mins. Unfortunately we don’t have that ability to mix things up if Martinelli and Trossard start together.
Certainly predictable, try out pace them, put the brakes on cut inside and cross. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Love Martinelli, but what the hell has happened to him.
Late substitutions are also driving me nuts, they had all five on before our second sub came on.
The two penalty decisions are beyond ridiculous but kind of used to piss poor decisions by now.
Finally, he needs to stop looking at Ethan’s birth certificate and give him a lot time on the pitch.
Neither should be starters nor at the club next season
That’s one of the major drawback of Arteta’s refusal to play Nwaneri all through Odegaard absence and playing Trossard in that role. The team miss Trossard effectiveness from the left wing for Martineli.
Not buying a striker in the summer was a huge mistake.
How was that not a penalty? Goalie punched Merino right in the head.
Why are we just thumping in pointless cross after pointless cross? We look like Stoke on attack, no creativity.
“Arsenal has been playing okay games this season, but unfortunately, that is not enough to go the extra mile and beat the best (or even decent teams). The cautious first-half approach was understandable, with two defensive midfielders aimed at nullifying the opposition’s threat. However, once you fall behind against teams like Inter (and last weekend’s Newcastle), it takes decisiveness and creativity to break them down—qualities that have been lacking this season.
We are so predictable. I don’t understand why he doesn’t at least switch Martinelli/Saka on the wings.
The subs were far too late. Nwaneri needed to replace Trossard at 60 minutes if not half time.
at this stage just start Nwaneri man, it’s not like we’re blitzing teams with the players ahead of him. In fact, quite the opposite. We look like a glorified Stoke.
See my comment. We both went to Stoke right away…
Stoke-ist, we didn’t have the long throw-ins, definitely our next signing!
Yep sign Rory Delap!
Did not have to chance to watch this game nor all of Newcastle’s but I am not too worried about two narrow defeats away to tough places where we statistically dominated our opponents.
If we become more clinical (3.27xG over the last two games for 0 goals), and it will come then I am sure, we will win games.
Let’s hope 3rd time’s a charm and that we smash Chelshit on Sunday !!
Yeah stats don’t paint a full picture. Watch the games and you’ll see.
You missed another frustrating game. We ain’t getting the breaks.
I’ll always support Arsenal through results…but it’s so hard to be enthusiastic when the performances are so awful. It’s become a chore to watch this team rather than something to look forward to.
The hardest part for me has been watching Arteta’s stubbornness… Merino showed nothing to deserve a spot, Sterling showed nothing to deserve some subs, and yet Nwaneri and Skelly have to be the best player on the pitch for 4 games in a row (playing 10 mins a game) to be deemed ready
It wasn’t awful. I think you’re completely wrong on that. Who else goes to Inter and pins them in their half like that? Al this stuff about it being a chore and needing something to look forward to- Jesus wept
What did the scoreboard say? Possession for possession ‘s sake is meaningless if we don’t capitalize on it. We’ve won games when we’re “pinned” in our half and it’s a masterclass and blah blah blah. So let’s not celebrate pinning teams in their half and coming out with nothing
Not celebrating anything. Just said it wasn’t awful. I thought we played well
Relative to what? The Newcastle game? Then sure we played well.
Well yeah and that’s kind of relevant considering it was the previous match
Yeah well that’s an extremely low bar but kudos for your optimism
I agree with you too an extent, but players win games not a system. The systems very rigid. If we all know the system safe to say so do the professional coaches and players on the opposing teams. We run set plays like an college basketball team, with Arteta calling the plays like an College Basketball coach.
Our forwards have been firing blank since Bournemouth game but we were more focused on our defensive end, Even with the defence that played against Liverpool we would still have won games if our attack was razor sharp
We’ve quickly became a team that want corners more than shots.
Amen
I think we like the smell of our own farts a bit too much.. we drink our own Kool-Aid.
Imagine two of our forward having zero shot in two consecutive game and we think ref, injury to defender and Odegaard missing is the reason we are not winning games?
The positive – we dominated im 60 mins. Negative , cheating itialians,blind ref and we’re low on crreativity these days.
Can whoever placed the hex on the boys please remove it now? We’re getting zero rub of green. How Merino getting punched in the face isn’t a penalty but having arms is is doing my head in.
Utterly fucking useless. I don’t watch pl any more so waited to watch whatever that was. Embarrassing crap.
Creativity reaching new lows. How many more centers to the area before we try something else?
We’ve generated 2.22xG tonight. I do not think creativity was the issue tonight.
We had a couple of chances more by luck than creativity
Call it how you want but we have generate 3,27xG over last two games and scored 0.
Things always balance at some point.
Please just stop.
Check is cobblers . A modern meaningless stat
71% 2 shots on target in 2nd half , that’s not being creative
Well surely stats don’t tell the full story. And it’s funny how MA wanted the team to be more unpredictable and it’s turning out to be exactly the opposite. Inter never panicked because they knew exactly how we attack. Bare Saka cutting to the center now and then it’s all centers to the area for who knows (Havertz?)
Xg is the worst thing to ever happen football, it means absolutely nothing. We created nothing. Inter kept our forwards in front of them the whole game, we were depending on an deflection or a defender losing his man on an corner to score. That’s not sustainable against good teams that are well coached. The referees in champions league games are going to call fouls on a lot of the stuff we get away with in premier league games on set pieces.
A decent Arsenal performance that deserved at least a point. After the debacle on Saturday we were much better and dominated a very useful Italian side. Inter only had that early chance that hit the crossbar and a penalty that was very very harsh. After that they never troubled us. Yet again, we failed to score and simply didn’t create enough clear-cut chances. The lack of creativity and a quality striker is the reason why we won’t win this competition or the Premier League. Nwaneri substitution far too late but he looked lively. Jesus rubbish. A decent performance but a… Read more »
This was a lot like the Liverpool game where we played better but didn’t get the result. Arsenal found something in that second half. Even in the first we played ok. Just needed incision from deeper areas. Jorginho has to play to provide that. Merino has been handed too big of a role too early, and not surrounded by enough controller types. The balance of profiles has been off. Also our buildup has been too fluid. Mikel addressed both issues in the second half. This could be a turning point.
Agreed.
Did not have the chance to watch this game nor all of Newcastle’s but I am not too worried by two narrows defeats away to tough places where we statistically dominated our opponents.
When we will be more clinical (3,27xG over last two games for 0 goal) things will be a lot easier.
Let’s hope third time’s a charm and we smash Chelshit on Sunday !!
Agreed.
Two narrows defeats away from home to thought places where we statistically dominated our opponents.
Let’s hope 3rd time’s a charm for this Sunday!!
You can say that again
And again
Agreed.
Two narrows defeats away from home to thought places where we statistically dominated our opponents.
Agreed.
Two narrows defeats away from home to thought places where we statistically better than our opponents.
Let’s hope 3rd time’s the charm this Sunday !
Where we were statistically better than our opponents*
I think if you post this text or a variation of it a few more times, it will become true.
Lol
Did not have the chance to watch this game nor all of Newcastle’s but I am not too worried by two narrows defeats away to tough places where we statistically dominated our opponents.
When we will be more clinical (3,27xG over last two games for 0 goal) things will be a lot easier.
Let’s hope third time’s a charm and we smash Chelshit on Sunday !!
Man eat first then shit, coz you’ve been talking shit,
Disappointing result but an improvement on the Newcastle performance, and only lost due to a ridiculous interpretation of handball. We move.
Trossard is a super sub at this level. He plays like he has ADHD the way he is so inconsistent. When he doesn’t score he offers us nothing; no pressing, no late runs into the box, doesn’t track back, and seems to be averse to passing his teammates.
Best option imo is Martinelli for 60 min then Trossard/Sterling.
I think I’d need to know what our Xg has been over the past two games before I could make a call on that one
Let’s not jump on the ref. He had a good game in my opinion. One thing about the champions league, you may not like their decisions, but they’re very consistent.
We weren’t great but not terrible either. The lack of bravery is killing us right now. Our best attacking player it seems is under strict instructions to hug the touchline. We have sorely missed Ødegaard.
You can accept a result like this against Inter. But it is hard to accept the Arsenal playing like that in the season.
Shocking refereeing there!
A diabolical penalty decision and being conned from start to finish by Inter players dropping on the ground like flies at the slightest touch, underlined his incompetence.
But it’s time to be worried about our lack of goals. I hope the return of Ødegaard brings an upturn in fortunes.
The fact Trossard lasted 80 minutes illustrates what is so wrong at this club.
Artetas ridiculous reluctance to put Nwaneri on is criminal
But then so is football that has 71% possession and 2 shots on target.
Players that dither and want teh perfect goal unprepared to take risks deserve to fail
Our style of play is horrid to watch and guarantee not to win trophy’s
“What is so wrong”
How long have you been supporting Arsenal, seriously?
Both Zinchenko (22/23) and Kiwior (second half of last season) have had extended periods of being the starting left back in a world class team and playing very well. We obviously planned to play with a left footed LB (unless we spent £40m on a backup left back in summer, which would itself be criminal) and I don’t understand the benefit of playing Timber out of position given those two are available, particularly since both he and Benjamin have struggled for fitness all season.
Kiwior lacks the speed to play against a 352 and Zinny lacks the defensive skills.I think the former is Gabriel’s backup and the latter is there when we a) play low block like Everton b) we are behind with 10 minutes to go.
Honestly Timber walks into this team regardless of the position. He’s that good. Unfortunately they have to manage his minutes.
Nothing from that game to suggest either teams deserve a win. A draw would have been a fair result. But then , football is not fair atimes.
One word to Arteta; Show some faith in youth.
We won’t have lost this game if Nwaneri have started.
Start the boy
Start him
No more square peg,
6ft behemoth defensive midfielder where you need nimble/fast footed player.
His background as central midfielder is clouding his judgement
You need various tools
U can’t play amd win with 3 arteta like midfielder
We asked for performance even if we drop points. We got one.Thats about the only positive today. We can complain about the referee’s utter indulgence of every idiocy by Inter. For me Arteta’s tactical inflexibility is the real issue. It’s safe to say the most top sides in England and Europe have figured him out. Inter’s approach to the game had Newcastle wrtitten all over it except for the fact that we were a bit quicker today. Also his in-game management has become worse. How Trossard lasted 80 minutes on the pitch beats me. It took an injury to havertz… Read more »
*goes further south
The substitutions are perplexing. It’s been a recurring issue and no one has an answer for them.
Inexperienced manager learning on the job, you got too take the good with the bad.To be fair to Arteta there’s been a lot more good than bad. We’re not far away from what I can see, maybe buy an attacking player or two in January, no more versatile defenders or goalkeepers.
Only way we were gonna score was set piece. There was no way to play through that defense. Didnt help.with inter players fallin over all the time a gettin free kicks. We need another trip to dubai
Just felt that our attacks were toothless no one did anything surprising. Milan defended well but we were so predictable.
And we have Sorting away to come.
Oh joy. Can we just forget this completely
That’s the spirit