Arsenal’s unbeaten streak in this season’s Champions League was brought to a halt at the San Siro, as Inter Milan secured a 1-0 win through a controversial first-half penalty. The decision came just before halftime when Mikel Merino was penalized for handling the ball. Despite the defensive midfielder‘s inability to move out of the way of a flicked ball from Mehdi Taremi, the penalty stood after a VAR review.

Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up to take the spot-kick, calmly converting it into the center of the goal. This was the first time Arsenal had conceded in the competition this season. The Gunners still had ample time to equalize and nearly did so early in the second half. Gabriel’s header from a corner was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, keeping Inter ahead.

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Arsenal continued to press for a goal, dominating possession, and coming close several times. Kai Havertz was denied by a brilliant one-handed save from Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer, and later, Havertz’s attempt was superbly blocked by Yann Bisseck. Despite their efforts, Mikel Arteta’s side could not break through, and the defeat left Arsenal in 12th place in the standings of the 36-team league.