Inter Milan defeated Arsenal at the San Siro to end Arsenal’s undefeated record in this season’s Champions League.
Mikel Merino was judged to have touched the ball just before halftime, although there was little he could do to avoid Mehdi Taremi’s flick on, hence the home team was given a penalty kick. However, once the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checked and Hakan Calhanoglu confidently sent the penalty down the middle, the ruling remained in place.
In the second half, Arsenal improved their game, with Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer superbly denying Kai Havertz a curling shot. Dumfries also cleared Gabriel’s header off the line. Arsenal have now lost twice in a row for the first time this season.
Speaking after the loss, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty. “We were told at the start of the season that wasn’t a penalty. That was clear. Today it was a different story. But OK. They decide that is a penalty. But if that is a penalty, then the one on Mikel Merino where he punches him in the head has to be a penalty, 1,000 percent. These are the margins in this game, and it’s very, very difficult to accept.” He said.
