Arsenal’s journey in the UEFA Champions League took a worrying turn after their 1-0 defeat to Internazionale at the San Siro on Wednesday. While this loss does not entirely extinguish their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages, it raises serious questions about their ambitions and raises instability in a season that started with high expectations. With a top-eight finish now more doubtful, the Gunners find themselves at a critical juncture—not just in Europe, but also within the Premier League, where they trail leaders Liverpool by seven points.
The defeat was compounded by unsettling developments off the pitch, most notably the sudden exit of sporting director Edu Gaspar. This has injected a dose of uncertainty into the club’s ambitions, a stark contrast to the stability Arsenal has enjoyed for over two years under manager Mikel Arteta. As the team now grapples with injuries and fluctuating form, the sense of momentum that once bolstered their campaign is beginning to appear fragile.
During the match, the Gunners struggled with inconsistencies, particularly in their attacking third. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, their inability to convert that control into meaningful chances highlighted a growing sense of predictability in their play. Arteta’s men defended valiantly but ultimately fell short, yielding a penalty to Inter’s Hakan Çalhanoglu, which effectively determined the outcome.
Arteta’s frustration was palpable, especially regarding pivotal decisions made by officials. One incident involved a potential penalty claim for Arsenal, where Mikel Merino appeared to be fouled, but the VAR intervened. Conversely, a handball against Merino led to a penalty for Inter, a call Arteta struggled to comprehend. “The ball is very close, and there is no real danger,” explained Arteta, alluding to the inconsistency in officiating that left him bewildered. This situation reflects not only the razor-thin margins that can define a game but also the emotional weight they carry for a manager looking to instill a winning mentality.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal finished the match with 46 crosses without finding the desired end product. Their repeated attempts to break down Inter’s defense leaned too heavily on set pieces, rendering them increasingly predictable and ineffective in the face of a resolute opponent. Arteta acknowledged that his team struggled in both boxes, and this critical evaluation underscores the need for improvement in converting chances and maintaining defensive solidity.
The individual performances of key players also raise concerns. Leandro Trossard, once a promising addition, displayed a lack of creativity, while Gabriel Martinelli seemed unusually short of confidence. Kai Havertz, whom Arsenal was counting on to bolster their attack, has struggled to find his footing, reminding fans of his inconsistent form from his Chelsea days. With the pressure ratcheting up, it seems that the call for Arsenal to have strengthened their attacking options during the summer transfer window is becoming ever more valid.
Moreover, the return of captain Martin Ødegaard from injury, although eagerly awaited, is emblematic of the club’s dependency on him. His absence was felt keenly, and his late introduction came too late to turn the tide against Inter. Ødegaard’s knack for linking up play and creating opportunities could be pivotal moving forward, but relying on a player who has just regained fitness after a prolonged spell out is risky.
As Arsenal faces their upcoming clash against Chelsea, the sense of urgency is unmistakable. Three defeats in their last six matches—including two consecutive losses—raise alarms about the direction in which the team is heading. While Arteta remains optimistic about turning the corner, stressing his pride in the team’s performance, the results will ultimately define their season. A favorable outcome against Chelsea is paramount if they wish to avert a slide into deeper uncertainty.
As the dust settles after the defeat to Internazionale, Arsenal must recalibrate and reassess both their strategy and execution. The potential to turn their campaign around exists, but it will require collective effort and a bit of luck—a commodity that has escaped them in recent games. In football, confidence often breeds success. For Arsenal, restoring that confidence will be crucial if they are to reclaim their standing in both the Premier League and Europe. The upcoming weeks will be telling, as the pressure mounts and the call for results grows ever louder.