A furious Mikel Arteta described Arsenal’s defeat against Inter Milan as “very, very difficult to accept” – and said his side should have been awarded a penalty after Mikel Merino was “punched” in the head.
Arsenal fell behind on the stroke of half-time when Inter were awarded a contentious penalty after Merino was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.
Merino might count himself unfortunate given he could do little to get out of the way of Mehdi Taremi’s flick-on. Hakan Calhanoglu converted the ensuing spot-kick to send the Gunners to their second defeat in four days.
Earlier in the opening period, Merino had his own penalty claim when Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer delivered an unintentional right hook to his head.
Asked for his reaction to the hosts’ spot-kick, Arteta said: “I don’t understand. There is no danger at all. You cannot react because the ball is very close.
“We were told at the start of the season that wasn’t a penalty. That was clear. Today it was a different story. But OK. They decide that is a penalty.
“But if that is a penalty then the one on Mikel Merino where he punches him in the head has to be a penalty, 1,000 per cent. These are the margins in this game and it’s very, very difficult to accept.
Should this have been a penalty for Arsenal? 🤔
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/FKylgHRZOD
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 6, 2024
“I am extremely frustrated because these are two decisions that marked the course of the game. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do. We have to accept it and move on.”
The defeat in the San Siro marked Arsenal’s second in a row after their 1-0 loss at Newcastle last weekend which cast them seven points adrift of Premier League table-toppers Liverpool.
Arsenal dominated large spells of Wednesday’s fixture, but they failed to find a breakthrough against a side which has not conceded in the Champions League so far. It leaves the Gunners, who face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 12th in the 36-team league.
Hakan Calhanoglu gives Inter Milan the lead from the spot 🎯
Arsenal might feel hard done by after the penalty was awarded for handball 🤚
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/kzA7Mm58sL
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 6, 2024
But Arteta added: “This is the way I want to see my team. Of all the big games we have played in Europe, this is by far the best one that we have played in the last few years.
“If we play the way we played here we have a good chance to win against Chelsea. I told them I’m proud of them.
“I haven’t seen them play in Europe in the manner they have today. And we are very disappointed because we didn’t get what we wanted out of the game that’s for sure.”
Declan Rice was sorely missed in the San Siro – absent after he picked up a foot injury against Newcastle.
And while captain Martin Odegaard ended his two-month absence with a late cameo, Kai Havertz was involved in a clash of heads with Yann Bisseck and is a doubt for Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
“Kai has a big cut,” said Arteta. “He had to come off because he needed some stitches. Hopefully he will be OK for the weekend.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...
The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...
Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina's youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal...
Kolo Muani Linked with January Premier League LoanParis Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani could secure a temporary move to the Premier League in January, according to Caught Offside. The French international, who has faced limited playing opportunities this season, is attracting interest from several English clubs. West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race for Kolo...
- 1 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 2 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 3 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 4 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number
- 5 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 6 Harry Kane’s ‘fugly’ £7,200 statue branded ‘stuff of nightmares’ unveiled
- 7 Mascherano nears Miami; Martino exits
- 8 Daily Laugh - Trossard suffers an injury
- 9 Daily Laugh - Antony and his latest ManUtd session
- 10 Andy Robertson marks 80th Scotland cap with stoppage-time winner in Poland