Arsenal’s pursuit of Champions League qualification has hit a difficult snag in their matchup against Inter Milan.
Mikel Arteta’s squad is under pressure as their campaign suffers another setback, following a controversial penalty decision that allowed Inter to take the lead.
The incident occurred when Inter’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu calmly converted a penalty awarded after VAR flagged Arsenal’s Mikel Merino for handball.
The decision stirred debate, especially given the events leading up to the call. During a free-kick, Mehdi Taremi’s flick hit Merino’s hand at close range, and Arsenal’s players and fans felt the penalty was harsh due to Merino’s limited reaction time.
Frustrations mounted for Arsenal, who had already seen another questionable moment earlier.
Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s forceful clearance struck Merino, leaving him momentarily shaken, though he continued playing.
Arsenal fans were quick to point out the inconsistency in officiating: Merino’s accidental handball was penalized, while Sommer’s physical contact went without a call.
The penalty put Inter ahead at a critical point, adding to Arsenal’s grievances over officiating during their Champions League journey.
The timing was especially tough for Arteta’s side, who had been creating chances and pressing forward.
The decision swung momentum toward Inter, leaving Arsenal to chase the game under more challenging conditions.
Arteta, often outspoken on officiating, may address the issue, as this call significantly impacts Arsenal’s Champions League prospects.
Already facing tough group competition, Arsenal now faces an even steeper climb to reach the next round.
The penalty visibly affected Arsenal’s morale, and Arteta’s task will be to refocus his squad and channel their frustration positively in the remaining group games.
Despite this setback, Arsenal’s skill is apparent, and Arteta will aim to galvanize his players with renewed resolve.
With their Champions League hopes on the line, Arsenal’s resilience will be crucial. As they prepare for the upcoming fixtures, the team must overcome both their opponents and the frustration surrounding this latest officiating controversy.
