Wet powder
Arsenal player ratings vs Inter: Martinelli tries dragging troops through but Merino poor as he gives away penalty
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TOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.
After losing at the weekend, Mikel Arteta was hoping his team could bounce back with a win in the Champions League.
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They were adamant they should have had a penalty in the first half when Mikel Merino was seemingly punched in the head by Yann Sommer as the Swiss international cleared the ball away.
However, in first-half injury time, Merino was involved again at the other end as he gave away a penalty when the ball struck his raised hand from close range.
That was converted by Hakan Calhanoglu, and Arteta rang the changes by introducing Gabriel Jesus at half-time.
But the Gunners seemed to have wet powder at the San Siro as their attacking efforts fell flat, with many of their usual suspects in attack flattering to deceive.
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David Raya - 6
Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night.
Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.
Ben White - 7
Dependable as ever at right back.
Can't be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.
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William Saliba - 7
Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.
Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.
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Gabriel Magalhaes - 7
Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.
Booked.
Jurrien Timber - 7 (off Zinchenko 82 mins)
Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank.
Dependable like the rest of the defence but undone by the controversial penalty call.
Mikel Merino - 5 (off for Jesus half-time)
Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight.
Unlucky to give away the penalty for handball after being clattered by Sommer earlier on in the evening.
Thomas Partey - 6
Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half.
But didn't look like he had the legs to do that job.
Bukayo Saka - 6
Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench.
Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.
Gabriel Martinelli - 7
Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash.
Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.
Kai Havertz - 6 (off Odegaard 90 mins)
Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top.
Went off with a bloody head in injury time.
Leandro Trossard - 6 (off Nwaneri 82 mins)
Buzzed around and had threatening moments.
But just didn't get the ball enough in dangerous positions.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus (on half-time for Merino) - 6
Didn't offer much after coming on. Booked.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (on Timber) - 6
Tidy in possession but rarely moved the ball forward.
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Ethan Nwaneri (on Trossard 82 mins) - 6
Skied a shot over the bar in injury time.
Martin Odegaard (on Havertz 90 mins) - N/A
Not enough time to make impact.
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