Why Mikel Arteta was spotted looking ‘embarrassed’ during Arsenal defeat to Inter Milan

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Arsenal’s poor run of form continued as the Gunners failed to beat Inter Milan at the San Siro.

The North Londoners weren’t able to replicate the blistering 5-1 win in Milan 21 years ago.

Whether that was because Thierry Henry wasn’t on the pitch, or Mikel Arteta got it wrong, is up for debate.

It wasn’t the worst display from Arsenal, who put on a spirited second-half show, however, the Gunners were unable to overcome Simone Inzaghi’s heavily rotated XI.

• READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Inter Milan, 3/10 star worse than Gabriel Martinelli on frustrating night

Mikel Arteta left embarrassed at the San Siro

Arsenal recorded 20 shots against Inter, their highest in a Champions League match without scoring a goal for 18 years.

Tactically, Arteta was shown up by Inzaghi, who was bold with his selection, protecting several first-team stars.

The manager insisted that his side performed as expected against the Italian giants but were somehow beaten by a lineup far from Inter’s best XI.

It wasn’t only on the pitch that Arteta was shown up by the Serie A side, as the boss was seen to apologise during the game after one bizarre occurrence.

Sky Sports reporter Zinny Boswell spotted the Arsenal manager apologising to the San Siro after picking up a booking for handling the ball when it was still in play.

Boswell said, “Mikel Arteta raises his hand in apology to the San Siro. He looks a tad embarrassed.”

Referee Istvan Kovacs saw the funny side of the incident as he approached the touchline to book the Spaniard however, that’s as far as the light-hearted interactions between the two went on the night.

Arteta furious with Arsenal penalty decision vs Inter Milan

Kovacs was the subject of Arteta’s post-match analysis, as the manager took the time to express his deep dissatisfaction at the Romainian’s decision to award Inter the match-winning penalty.

Mikel Merino conceded the spot kick, handling the ball in the box without even realising, with a lot of debate coming from the soft decision.

• READ MORE: Matt Upson in utter disbelief at ‘crazy decision’ during Arsenal defeat vs Inter Milan, he’s furious

To add to Arteta’s anger, Merino was denied a penalty moments before, as the Arsenal boss described how his midfielder was ‘punched’ by goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

A lot can be said about the fixture but there’s no time to waste on inferior issues as Arsenal’s poor form eclipses the performance of the official.