Arsenal's Champions League Defeat to Inter Milan: A Harsh Penalty and Missing Odegaard's Creativity
Arsenal's recent trip to Milan ended in a frustrating 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League, a result that has left many fans questioning their team’s performance. While Arsenal fought valiantly in the second half, the match was ultimately decided by a controversial penalty awarded just before half-time. The decision was a harsh blow, especially given how little Mikel Merino could do to avoid the ball striking his arm from point-blank range after a flick from Inter's Mehdi Taremi.
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disbelief over the penalty, noting that the handball rule seemed inconsistently applied, particularly in European competitions. He pointed out that the penalty was awarded for a deflection, where Merino had no chance to react, which many believe should not have been penalized. Arteta further argued that if such a decision was made, then surely the clear punch to Merino’s head by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer earlier in the match should have warranted a penalty for Arsenal. These frustrating calls exemplified the fine margins in this game and left Arteta lamenting the unfairness of the outcome.
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The Gunners’ performance, while admirable in the second half, couldn’t yield a goal despite their relentless attacking efforts. Arsenal fired off 46 crosses into the box, but none of them found their mark, and their 20 shots in total resulted in no goals. This lack of offensive penetration highlighted a glaring issue that many fans and pundits were quick to point out: Arsenal have been severely lacking the creativity and playmaking ability of their captain, Martin Ødegaard.
Ødegaard has been sidelined since the end of August with an ankle injury, and his absence has left a noticeable void in Arsenal’s midfield. The statistics back up just how much the team struggles without him. In the Premier League, Arsenal win 65.6% of their matches when Ødegaard is on the pitch, compared to just 47.1% without him. His ability to control the tempo of the game, link up play, and provide key passes has been sorely missed, especially in tight matches like this one.
Against Inter, Arsenal’s creativity was almost non-existent as they relied heavily on crosses, which proved ineffective against a disciplined Inter defense. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand pointed out that Ødegaard’s calmness and vision could have made a huge difference in breaking down such a compact side. He added that without Ødegaard, Arsenal lacked the final pass or the imagination to convert their numerous crosses into meaningful chances.
Despite the defeat, there were positives for Arteta’s side. They dominated the second half, with Kai Havertz being denied twice, first by a brilliant save from Sommer and then by a crucial block in front of goal. Additionally, Ødegaard made a brief cameo appearance in the dying minutes of the match, which was a welcome sign that he could play a role in Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, including the crucial Premier League match against Chelsea.
The loss to Inter highlights the challenges Arsenal face during this tough spell. They have now gone three Premier League games without a win, and their Champions League hopes have taken a hit with this first loss of the season. Yet, Arteta remains hopeful, acknowledging the team’s spirit and the positive aspects of their performance, especially in the second half. As Arsenal look ahead to the next few weeks, the return of Ødegaard will be a crucial factor in their attempt to regain form and put an end to this frustrating run of results.
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