Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign came to an abrupt halt after a controversial first-half penalty handed Inter Milan a narrow victory at the San Siro.
The decisive moment arrived just seconds before the interval when referee Slavko Vinčić pointed to the spot after Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled Mehdi Taremi’s flick-on inside the box. Despite Arsenal protests that the midfielder had little time to react or move his arm out of the way, the decision was upheld following a VAR review. Hakan Çalhanoğlu made no mistake from 12 yards, calmly sending the ball straight down the middle to give Inter the lead.
It marked the first goal Arsenal had conceded in Europe this season, yet Mikel Arteta’s side responded strongly after the break. The Gunners dominated possession and territory, repeatedly testing Inter’s resolve as they searched for an equaliser.
Their closest opportunity came from a corner when Gabriel’s powerful header appeared destined for the net, only for Denzel Dumfries to produce a crucial goal-line clearance. Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer was also called into action, producing an outstanding one-handed save to deny Kai Havertz’s curling effort from distance.
Havertz threatened again later in the half, but his close-range strike was superbly blocked by Yann Bisseck as Inter’s defence held firm under sustained pressure. Despite Arsenal’s control and attacking intent, clear-cut chances proved difficult to come by, with Inter expertly managing the closing stages.
The defeat brings an end to Arsenal’s four-game unbeaten run in the competition and leaves them 12th in the expanded 36-team league table. While the performance offered encouragement, the result serves as a reminder of the fine margins at Europe’s top level, with Arteta’s side now needing to respond swiftly to keep their knockout ambitions firmly on track.
