Calhanoglu’s Penalty Gives Inter Milan 1-0 Win Over Arsenal in Champions League

Hakan Calhanoglu fired Inter Milan to a 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Wednesday, maintaining their unbeaten start in the Champions League and handing the Gunners their first defeat in the revamped tournament.

The Turkey captain scored the decisive penalty in first-half stoppage time, lifting Inter to 10 points at the halfway stage of the new single-league phase.

Inter, still unbeaten, are one of four teams two points behind leaders Liverpool and look well-positioned to finish in the top eight, securing direct qualification for the last 16.

Arsenal, meanwhile, continued their inconsistent form, sitting 12th with seven points. Despite the loss, Mikel Arteta’s side can feel aggrieved as they produced a strong performance at the San Siro.

Calhanoglu’s goal was the first Arsenal have conceded in the Champions League this season, marking his return from a thigh injury sustained during international duty last month. The midfielder’s third goal of the season was followed by several close calls for the visitors, including a brilliant save from Yann Sommer to deny Kai Havertz’s header.

Inter now turn their focus to Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday, with the chance to move to the top of the table. Simone Inzaghi rested several key players, including Nicolo Barella, Federico Dimarco, and Marcus Thuram, who started on the bench for Wednesday’s match.

Arsenal will next face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, aiming to snap a three-match winless run in the Premier League and regain momentum in a faltering season. Arteta will be bolstered by the return of captain Martin Odegaard, who came on as a late substitute after missing 12 matches due to an ankle injury. Arteta will also be hoping for an update on Declan Rice, who missed the San Siro match.