Arsenal Player Ratings vs Inter: Trossard's Struggles and Penalty Controversy

Arsenal Suffers First Champions League Defeat of the Season

In a gripping matchup against Inter Milan, Arsenal faced their first Champions League defeat of the season with a final score of 1-0. The game, marked by Hakan Calhanoglu’s decisive penalty in stoppage time of the first half, highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the Gunners.

Match Overview

The visitors showcased dominance for significant portions of the match, demonstrating solid ball control and midfield presence. However, a familiar issue arose as they struggled to convert their possession into clear scoring opportunities.

Close Calls

Defender Gabriel Magalhaes came closest to leveling for Arsenal, with a powerful header in the second half that was remarkably cleared off the line. Despite controlling the game, the Gunners were left frustrated as they couldn’t convert their chances into goals.

Inter Milan Capitalizes

At the other end of the pitch, Inter Milan was not particularly threatening throughout the match. However, they managed to secure a crucial penalty just before halftime, following an incident where Mehdi Taremi’s flick accidentally struck the arm of Arsenal’s Mikel Merino. Hakan Calhanoglu took advantage of this opportunity, sending David Raya the wrong way from the spot.

Statistical Analysis

• Arsenal's Recent Form: This loss marked Arsenal's third defeat in six competitive matches.
• Goal-Scoring Struggles: Notably, all three of their recent defeats have been characterized by a failure to find the net.

Player Ratings

Following the match, GOAL provided ratings for Arsenal's players, reflecting their performances on the night. The consistency in ratings has raised questions about the team’s attacking efficiency and strategy moving forward.

Conclusion

As Arsenal navigates the Championship league this season, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the team addresses its scoring woes. While the mid-season break may offer a chance for reflection and regrouping, the Gunners will need to sharpen their attacking edge to regain momentum in upcoming fixtures.