Arsenal took on Inter Milan in a Champions League face-off at the San Siro on Wednesday evening.
Mikel Arteta will have been desperate to see his side get back to winning ways in this Champions League fixture, after the Gunners suffered a damaging defeat against Newcastle United last time out in the Premier League.
However, it was a difficult evening for the North London club. Arsenal might have had a penalty in the first half, but VAR did not intervene on their behalf, before the hosts themselves went 1-0 from the spot just before the break.
Arsenal huffed and puffed in the second half, but to no avail as they tasted Champions League defeat for the first time this season.
Mikel Arteta lacks faith in Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino has had a mixed start to his Arsenal career since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium in the recent summer transfer window.
An injury delayed the Spanish midfielder’s debut, and since he came into the team his efforts have been largely underwhelming, his vital goal against Liverpool aside.
It was telling that Arteta chose to hook Merino at half-time in order to bring on Gabriel Jesus. Even Merino’s elite aerial ability was not enough to convince the manager to keep him on the pitch.
Arsenal need to drop Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard deserved to be dropped from the Arsenal starting XI ahead of this fixture, but kept his place in the side nevertheless, likely due to the condition of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
However, the Belgian did nothing against Inter Milan to justify his inclusion. All too often he was hesitant on the ball, misplaced passes, and failed to effectively progress moves in the final third.
Bukayo Saka was made for Champions League stage
Bukayo Saka was perhaps the Arsenal player to emerge from this encounter with the most credit.
The Hale End academy graduate has proven his ability to shine at the highest level. He belongs in the Champions League.
| Career Champions League Stats | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Bukayo Saka | 11 | 5 | 4 |
Saka was Arsenal’s captain against Inter Milan, and led by example. Whilst he was not able to drag his side to victory, he constantly tested the hosts’ back line, not least with a number of dangerous corner deliveries.
Arsenal left vulnerable to Inter Milan breaks
Whilst Arsenal dominated possession in the second half, they still looked in danger of being caught on the break as they pressed up the pitch.
Despite the Gunners’ aggression, Inter Milan were still largely comfortable defensively.
This shows that there is an imbalance to Arteta’s tactical approach at this time, leading to frailties at both ends of the pitch.
Frustration sparked between Arsenal stars
This was a frustrating night for the Gunners, and it showed on the pitch as tempers flared at times.
For instance, Gabriel Martinelli could be seen reacting angrily to a wild strike from range that Trossard let loose in the first half.
Arsenal have been in poor form of late, but Arteta cannot allow that to disrupt the harmony of his dressing room. In that sense, though, cracks are beginning to show.
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