Arsenal’s hopes for a Champions League berth took a hit following a controversial penalty call in their recent 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan, bringing renewed scrutiny to the consistency of officiating and the role of VAR.
The critical moment of the match occurred when VAR intervened to award a penalty to Inter after judging that Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino had handled the ball inside the box.
This penalty call, in Arsenal’s view, was overly harsh and played a significant role in their loss, casting doubt on their chances of advancing.
The incident that led to Inter’s goal involved a free-kick delivery from Mehdi Taremi that deflected off Merino’s arm at close range.
Arsenal’s players protested, arguing that Merino’s handball was accidental and due to the close proximity of Taremi’s flick, leaving him with little reaction time.
Nevertheless, VAR upheld the penalty, which Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted with precision to give Inter Milan a decisive lead.
The decision intensified Arsenal’s frustrations, with many feeling the call was overly severe given the circumstances.
The penalty was not the only contentious moment in the match.
Earlier on, Merino had been the recipient of a forceful challenge from Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who rushed out with a vigorous clearance that left Merino shaken.
Despite Arsenal’s appeals, the referee chose not to penalize Sommer for his aggressive play.
This inconsistency in officiating added to Arsenal’s frustration, as Merino’s handball was penalized, while Sommer’s rough tackle was not.
Following Çalhanoğlu’s goal, Arsenal found it difficult to recover, especially as they had been building momentum and creating scoring chances just before the penalty decision.
This goal shifted the game’s dynamics, leaving Arsenal scrambling to find an equalizer under increasing pressure.
The outcome has now made Arsenal’s path to the knockout rounds of the Champions League more challenging.
With a demanding group stage and tight competition, this setback only adds to the urgency of their upcoming matches.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, known for his outspokenness on refereeing issues, is likely to address this latest incident in the coming days.
Arteta now faces the task of keeping his squad focused and resilient despite the disappointing outcome.
After the match, the emotional toll on Arsenal’s players was evident, and Arteta’s priority will be to help his team regroup and prepare for their remaining group-stage games.
Although the penalty decision was a blow to their morale, Arsenal’s quality and fighting spirit remain clear.
Arteta will look to inspire his players to stay united and push for a place in the knockout rounds, even as they cope with the setback of this controversial loss.
With several group-stage matches still ahead, Arsenal’s ability to stay mentally strong and rebound from this defeat will be crucial.
Their resilience and determination will be tested, as they strive to secure their spot in the Champions League’s later stages.
