Arsenal’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot were dealt a severe blow following a controversial penalty decision in their 1-0 loss to Inter Milan, raising concerns over the consistency of officiating and the use of VAR. The defeat, marked by a pivotal moment in the second half, has left the Gunners’ qualification aspirations hanging in the balance.
The turning point came when Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu confidently converted a penalty after VAR intervention. The spot kick was awarded when Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino was judged to have handled the ball in the penalty area. The decision sparked outrage from Arsenal players, who argued that the handball was unintentional and occurred at close range following a flick from Mehdi Taremi during an Inter free-kick. Many felt the call was harsh, with Merino having little time to react.
The penalty was not the only controversial moment in the match. Earlier, Merino had been on the receiving end of a rough challenge from Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, whose aggressive clearance left Merino visibly shaken. Despite the clear contact, no foul was given, leading to further frustration from Arsenal players and fans who felt there was inconsistency in the referee’s decisions. While Merino was punished for an unintentional handball, Sommer’s forceful challenge went unpenalized.
Çalhanoğlu’s successful penalty handed Inter Milan a crucial lead, and Arsenal struggled to find an equalizer as they faced increasing pressure from their opponents. The timing of the penalty was particularly damaging, as Arsenal had been gaining momentum and creating chances just before the decision, making it feel like a game-changing moment in their Champions League campaign.
With the loss, Arsenal’s prospects of progressing in the competition have become more uncertain. Manager Mikel Arteta, known for his vocal criticism of refereeing decisions, is expected to address the issue in the coming days. The group stage remains highly competitive, and this setback has put added pressure on the team to perform in their remaining fixtures.
The emotional impact on Arsenal’s players was clear after the final whistle. Arteta now faces the challenge of lifting his squad and refocusing them for the crucial upcoming matches. Despite the defeat, Arsenal’s quality and determination remain evident, and the manager will be looking to rally his players and keep their belief intact as they continue their fight for qualification.
Arsenal’s resilience and ability to recover from this blow will be key in the weeks ahead. While the penalty decision may have dented their morale, with several group-stage games still to play, the Gunners’ mental strength will be tested as they aim for a place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
