Mikel Arteta Frustrated by Controversial Penalty in Arsenal's Champions League Loss to Inter Milan
In a tightly contested Champions League match at San Siro, Arsenal faced a tough 1-0 defeat against Inter Milan, marred by what Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta considered “very harsh” refereeing decisions. The pivotal moment came in first-half stoppage time when Hakan Çalhanoğlu scored from the penalty spot after a controversial handball by Arsenal's Mikel Merino. This goal ultimately determined the outcome, leading to Arsenal’s second consecutive loss in all competitions, following a recent Premier League defeat to Newcastle.
The penalty decision has stirred up significant post-match debate. After a corner kick, Mehdi Taremi’s flick found Merino, who inadvertently handled the ball. However, Arsenal’s frustration didn’t end there. Arteta was particularly vocal about another incident in Inter's box, where Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer appeared to make contact with Merino’s head while attempting a clearance. This clash, in Arteta’s view, warranted a penalty for Arsenal, especially considering the earlier call against Merino. The Arsenal manager didn’t hold back, stating, “If you’re going to give one penalty, the other one has to be a penalty too. Sommer punched him in the head with no deflection.” Arteta’s frustration was palpable as he continued to stress the inconsistency in officiating.
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Arsenal controlled the second half, creating a series of opportunities and forcing Inter’s defense into a tense battle until the final whistle. Despite maintaining pressure and dominating possession, Arsenal couldn’t find an equalizer, marking their first scoreless Champions League match since 2006. Inter, meanwhile, demonstrated a disciplined defensive performance, effectively neutralizing Arsenal’s attacking advances.
This latest setback raises further concerns for Arteta’s side, who now find themselves in a precarious spot in the Champions League group standings. Currently fifth in the Premier League, Arsenal’s injury-plagued squad has faced a challenging season with frequent red cards and contentious calls going against them. Their Champions League journey hasn’t fared much better, with only two wins so far. As Arsenal prepares for a crucial match against Chelsea this weekend, Arteta will need to rally his team to recover momentum before the November international break.
Arteta remained confident in his players’ abilities, praising their resilience and playstyle despite the loss. He concluded with optimism, noting the team’s strength and potential as they look ahead to crucial upcoming matches. While Arsenal’s hopes for European success face growing challenges, Arteta’s message to fans is clear: the team’s spirit remains strong, and they’re ready to fight for redemption in the matches to come.
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