Overview

In a gripping encounter at the San Siro, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration after his team's narrow 1-0 defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League. Arteta described the result as "the worst thing" about the night, emphasizing that his team exhibited "complete dominance" throughout the match.

Key Moments

The Gunners found themselves behind just before halftime when a penalty was awarded for a handball by midfielder Mikel Merino. The decision left the Arsenal side feeling aggrieved, especially after a prior incident involving Merino and Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, went unpunished. This blend of controversial decisions left Arteta and his team "extremely frustrated."

Arteta's Reaction

Arteta highlighted that despite the defeat, the performance of his players was among the best he has witnessed in years. He stated, "We could have scored at least two goals." He added that the dominance, attitude, and overall performance against one of Europe's elite teams was commendable, marking a strong showing for the Gunners.

Controversial Refereeing Decisions

"I don't understand," Arteta remarked when discussing the penalty awarded to Inter, contrasting it with the earlier incident that could have favored Arsenal. He maintained that the nature of the calls made it difficult to accept the final outcome. "There is no danger at all," he explained, pointing to how closely the ball had been located during the alleged handball.

Looking Ahead

As Arsenal continues their Champions League campaign, the focus will not only be on rectifying refereeing oversights but also on converting opportunities into goals. The Gunners have showcased their potential in recent matches, and fans are hopeful that this performance can serve as a foundation for future successes in Europe's premier club competition.

Next Fixture

Next up for Arsenal is a chance to bounce back in their next league fixture. Will they heed Arteta's call for a goal-scoring turnaround? Stay tuned!