Inter Milan heap more misery on Arsenal with Champions League victory

Arsenal’s turbulent run took another twist when they were dealt a 1-0 defeat by Inter Milan at the San Siro.

Mikel Arteta’s side dominated large spells of the match but were left to rue a controversial penalty in first-half stoppage time when Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled the ball.

Hakan Calhanoglu converted the ensuing spot-kick, and, despite bravely pushing for an equaliser, the Gunners fell to their second straight defeat in four days, and their first in the Champions League so far.

Arsenal’s preparations for Wednesday’s tie in Milan were overshadowed by the shock resignation of sporting director Edu.

Edu, credited with Arsenal’s upturn in fortunes in recent seasons, scored in a thumping 5-1 win here, for Arsene Wenger’s side 21 years ago. But on Wednesday, history did not repeat itself.

Arsenal’s Premier League challenge has been knocked off course, and, amid a hostile atmosphere, and without the injured Declan Rice, the visitors might have fallen behind after just 100 seconds.

Wing-back Denzel Dumfries let rip with the outside of his right foot from inside the penalty area, and his fine effort rattled David Raya’s crossbar.

Moments later, the Arsenal goalkeeper was scrambling to his right in an attempt to save Calhanoglu’s shot from range. He breathed a sigh of relief as the ball fizzed narrowly past his far post.

Then, Mehdi Taremi’s tempting pull-back across the six-yard box spelt danger. But William Saliba came to Arsenal’s rescue.

These were nervy moments for the Gunners, who spent the opening 10 minutes firmly rooted inside their own half.

But after riding the storm, Arteta’s men steadied the ship. Bukayo Saka’s second corner of the game landed menacingly under Yann Sommer’s crossbar, before the