Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Slams Penalty Calls In Loss To Inter

Arsenal’s Champions League woes deepened following a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan at the iconic San Siro Stadium. In a match brimming with intensity and controversy, Hakan Çalhanoglu’s first-half penalty gave the Italian side a narrow victory. Despite Arsenal’s dominating possession, they were left ruing missed opportunities and contentious officiating, which Mikel Arteta strongly criticized after the game.

The result leaves Arsenal 12th in their Champions League group, heightening pressure on Arteta and his squad. Yet, the Arsenal manager insisted his team’s performance was their best European display in years, citing optimism for the upcoming Premier League clash against Chelsea. The story of the night was as much about the passion and determination Arsenal showed as it was about Arteta’s frustration over a series of debatable calls from the referee.

Controversial Penalty Decision Sparks Arteta’s Fury

The turning point came in first-half stoppage time, when Mikel Merino was penalized for a handball in the box, leading to Çalhanoglu’s successful spot-kick that ultimately decided the match. The decision to award Inter Milan a penalty left Arteta visibly frustrated. Moments earlier, Merino had been involved in a collision with Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, which Arteta believed warranted a penalty for Arsenal.

Arteta expressed his disbelief over the ruling, stating, “There is no danger at all. You cannot react because the ball is very close.” He emphasized his team was informed at the beginning of the season that such handball scenarios would not typically be deemed punishable. “But OK. They decide that is a penalty,” Arteta conceded, albeit with evident discontent. He went on to say, “If that is a penalty, then the one on Mikel Merino where he punches him in the head has to be a penalty 1000 percent.”

Arsenal’s Best European Performance in Recent Years, Insists Arteta

Despite the narrow loss, Arteta was uncharacteristically upbeat regarding his team’s overall display. He praised Arsenal’s determination and discipline, suggesting that the performance reflected their best European outing in recent memory. Although they failed to convert possession into goals, Arteta felt that the way his side controlled the game and created opportunities demonstrated significant progress.

“All the big games we have played in Europe, this is by far the best one that we played in the last few years,” he remarked. Arteta’s statement highlighted the positives he saw in Arsenal’s effort and approach, positioning the performance as a stepping stone for the matches ahead. He urged his team to channel this display into their Premier League showdown against Chelsea, a match he believes could signal a turning point.

Inter Milan Strike First in the Opening Moments

The game started in explosive fashion, with Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries nearly giving the hosts an early lead in just the second minute. Dumfries struck the crossbar, a warning to Arsenal that the Italian side was prepared to exploit any defensive lapses. Arsenal responded by tightening their backline and focusing on maintaining control over the ball, gradually establishing a rhythm and regaining composure after the initial scare.

From there, Arsenal began to grow into the game, with their midfield displaying resilience and control. As the game progressed, the Gunners held the lion’s share of possession, managing to keep Inter’s attacks in check. However, the lack of a clinical edge in front of goal meant Arsenal were unable to capitalize on their dominance, leaving the door open for Inter to seize a narrow lead through the penalty.

Arsenal’s Struggles to Finish Cost Them in Milan

While Arsenal successfully maintained possession and tempo, converting these efforts into goals proved elusive. Despite creating multiple chances and pressuring Inter Milan’s backline, they found no way past Yann Sommer, who delivered a stellar performance in goal. Arsenal’s attackers were often met by a resolute Inter defense that limited their opportunities to capitalize on crosses and set-pieces.

This difficulty in front of goal underscored an ongoing challenge for Arsenal, as they have now lost three of their last six games across all competitions. Arteta acknowledged the importance of finishing their chances, recognizing that the inability to find the back of the net has been a recurring theme and a key area for improvement if Arsenal aims to advance in the Champions League.

Merino’s Incident with Sommer Ignites Debate

Adding to the frustration, Mikel Merino found himself in the center of another contentious moment after a challenge with Inter Milan’s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer. As Merino approached the goal, Sommer’s attempt to clear the ball appeared to connect with Merino, leading to calls for a penalty. The incident was not reviewed, leaving Arsenal fans and Arteta to question the inconsistency in the referee’s decisions.

Arteta’s post-match comments reflected his exasperation with the officiating: “These are the margins in this game, and it’s very difficult to accept.” The lack of a penalty call for the incident only added to Arsenal’s grievances on the night, casting a shadow over an otherwise strong performance.

Gunners Turn Focus to Premier League Showdown with Chelsea

Despite the disappointment in Milan, Arteta’s focus has already shifted to Sunday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea. He believes that replicating the intensity and composure displayed against Inter could put them in a strong position to take down their London rivals. Arteta’s message to his players was clear: if they maintain the same level of performance, they have a solid chance of emerging victorious.

“We have a good chance to win against Chelsea,” Arteta asserted, underlining his confidence in the squad’s capabilities. As Arsenal looks to regain their footing in the Premier League, a victory against Chelsea could restore momentum and confidence within the squad. The Champions League campaign may be faltering, but Arteta remains optimistic about Arsenal’s domestic prospects.

Champions League Hopes in Jeopardy: A Must-Win Scenario Looms

Arsenal’s current standing in the Champions League group table leaves them at a precarious 12th position, putting their European ambitions at risk. With three losses in six games across all competitions, the Gunners must now rally to remain competitive in Europe. Arteta acknowledged the importance of improving in all facets, particularly finishing, as the tournament progresses.

Arsenal’s defeat at Inter Milan serves as a reminder of the narrow margins that define success and failure in the Champions League. Arteta’s team has shown potential, but they now face the daunting task of winning their remaining group games to keep their hopes alive. As the team returns to England, the clash against Chelsea offers a timely opportunity to reignite their season and regain momentum.

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