Arsenal were welcomed by a passionate San Siro atmosphere as they walked out to face Inter Milan in a Champions League clash this evening.
The hosts started well, immediately putting Arsenal under pressure. However, the Gunners were able to grow into the game.
Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed a greater share of possession and territory as the first half wore on, though they struggled to create any chances against the Italian giants.
However, things could have taken an almighty swing in Arsenal’s favour in this Champions League showdown had they been awarded the penalty they wanted around the half hour mark.
Why Arsenal wanted a penalty vs Inter Milan
As Mikel Merino sought to get his head on a Gabriel Martinelli cross, he collided with Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Replays indicated that the Arsenal midfielder made contact with the ball first, sending it spinning wide of the target, before Sommer’s gloved fist made contact with the Spaniard’s head.
Merino is a duel-winning expert, especially in the air, and was performing the kind of task he was signed for in this scenario, making himself an aerial nuisance in the opposition penalty area.
On this occasion, there was no reward for Arsenal or Merino, despite VAR reviewing the incident. No foul was adjudged to have been committed, and play was waved on without referee Istvan Kovacs being asked to approach the pitch-side monitor to review a replay of the collision himself.
To add insult to injury for the English side, a penalty was given against Merino at the other end of the pitch on the stroke of half-time. Hakan Calhanoglu converted from the spot to send the hosts in 1-0 up at the break.
Paul Merson and Matt Upson give verdict on Champions League decision
Two former Arsenal stars, Paul Merson and Matt Upson, were quick to argue the Gunners’ side in this overlooked penalty shout.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Upson claimed: “Yann Sommer smashes Mikel Merino. I don’t think Sommer gets anything on the ball.”
Meanwhile, on Sky Sports News, Merson insisted: “You could get a penalty there! Merino headed the ball and then Sommer comes and punches his head off. He literally has doubled punched his head off. It should be a penalty.”
Arteta can certainly fairly feel that his side were hard done by in the first half at the San Siro.
Bukayo Saka was Arsenal’s captain against Inter Milan and may well have told his teammates to forget the incident during the half-time break and refocus on the task at hand.
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