While Arsenal dominated much of the second half, a controversial first-half penalty handed Inter Milan a narrow 1-0 win, bringing the Gunners' unbeaten Champions League streak to a halt.
The decisive moment came just before the break when Mikel Merino was penalised for handball on a deflection from Mehdi Taremi. Though Merino had little time to react, VAR upheld the call, allowing Hakan Calhanoglu to coolly slot the penalty down the middle.
After conceding, Arsenal fought back strongly, pushing for an equaliser with numerous close chances. Gabriel saw his header cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, while Inter’s Yann Sommer made a brilliant one-handed save to deny Kai Havertz’s curling effort. Havertz pressed again but was blocked by a last-ditch challenge from Yann Bisseck.
Despite Arsenal’s pressure, Inter’s resolute defence held firm, sealing their seventh win in eight games across all competitions. For Mikel Arteta's side, this marked their first defeat in Europe this season and added to a recent rough spell domestically, leaving them eager to regain momentum.
While Arsenal ultimately left Milan empty-handed, they can take heart from a spirited performance as they look to reignite their Premier League campaign—especially with key players like Martin Odegaard returning to fitness.
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