A bitter defeat, a result that was far too heavy. Arsenal won at San Siro, despite a very important collective effort, on the pitch and in the stands, on a night that began with an uphill struggle and ended with a late decision, after there had been opportunities for a draw, even for the Nerazzurri to take the lead. Gabriel Jesus’ early goal directed the match, which was straightened out in a big way by Sucic’s extraordinary equalizer. Then Inter took the field and even had the balls to turn the match around. Some regrets, also for the dynamics of the new Gunners advantage (on the development of a corner). Finally, after the effort to find the equalizer, the 3-1 after a restart. It wasn’t an evening to remember, but Inter were able to play with skill and technique again tonight. Arsenal’s caliber and some episodes guided the challenge. Now Inter, after 7 games, remain at 12: only the away game at Dortmund is missing, which will decide the final ranking of the League Phase. The top eight go to the round of 16, from ninth to 24th there will be playoffs.
THE MATCH
The start of the race is almost a single goal. The Gunners attack, pressing every ball. Inter almost struggled to set up, they were holed up in the area. We immediately have to fight. Saka’s outbursts were immediately a factor, as were corner kicks, the house specialty for the English, at the top in Europe for goals scored from corners. Inter falls already in the tenth minute: enveloping action managed with great quality on the edge of the area, the ball goes to Timber who turns the left but favors Gabriel Jesus, who pierces Sommer from the center of the area. Inter are at a disadvantage entering the game. Thuram begins his challenge with the central defenders of the English rearguard. The match changes because Inter runs and has confidence. Sucic in the 18th minute sends San Siro into raptures. The action is triggered brilliantly by Lautaro, who sends Thuram shooting. Arsenal retreats but can do nothing about Sucic’s running shot into the top corner. A wonderful network. San Siro’s charge accompanies a high escape from the Croatian in the open field: he doesn’t finish, but serves Thuram who shoots high. Huge opportunity, once again inspired by Lautaro. The fact is that four minutes later Arsenal scored again. And he does it from a corner, with Gabriel Jesus collecting Trossard’s edge with his head. Successful and even a little lucky scheme. A bad blow, which however Inter absorbed again. Lautaro tries to play the charge and, while the defense tries to contain Saka, Thuram and Luis Henrique also try to scare Raya. The Arsenal goalkeeper was formidable at the end of the half, saying no twice to Dimarco, served by the omnipresent Sucic. At the break, Inter went behind, but totally undeservedly. The second half had a more measured pace, Inter found less space, while Arsenal activated intermittently with Saka. Bastoni is monstrous in tackling him in the 62nd minute. Chivu plays the Esposito card: Pio immediately enters the game, and within two minutes he finishes twice, scaring Raya. Inter plays, tries to push, but has less brilliance. Arteta’s substitutions help Arsenal consolidate their lead. Gyokeres himself scored the goal that closed the match, in the 84th minute, with a nice right-footed shot from the edge of the area, after a restart. Now for Inter another challenge at San Siro, on Friday against Pisa, before the trip to Dortmund which will reveal the Nerazzurri’s next path in the Champions League.
