Premier League powerhouse Arsenal has suffered from a cloud of gloom recently. In Thursday's (7) UEFA Europa League match, as Inter Milan's opponents, the team launched as many as 20 attacks throughout the match, but returned empty-handed. To make matters worse, a controversial penalty call led to a 0-1 defeat for Arsenal, their first loss of the season. Arsenal have now swallowed three defeats in their last six matches. Today, Mikel Arteta and Xaviers left the game midway through the match due to injuries. Tottenham Hotspur is also facing a heavy crisis this weekend.
Early in the game, Inter Milan launched a fierce attack, Dufis once hit the post, Arsenal held their position to launch a counterattack, Mane's header was Inter Milan goalkeeper Ennis mallet hit the head, VAR long time checking did not award a penalty kick. However, in the second half of stoppage time, Mane was tackled by the goalkeeper in the penalty area, the referee awarded a penalty kick, Inter Milan by Chahanuogu drilled a shot to score.
Arsenal continued their onslaught with Gabriel Martinez going close in the box before Xaviers had two shots parried away to end up with a 0-1 defeat. Arsenal created 20 attacking chances in the game but failed to convert them into goals. This is the most unscored upon offense in UEFA Cup history since 2006 against CSKA Moscow (23 shots on goal). Arsenal are currently in 12th place with 2 wins and 1 loss in 4 matches, while Inter Milan are in 5th place with 3 wins and 1 draw.
Arsenal's recent form is in the doldrums and manager Edu suddenly resigned. After this loss, Arsenal suffered blow after blow. Mane was hit on the head with a suspected concussion and was replaced at half-time, while Xaviers left the field after a collision with an opponent. After the match, Arsenal leader Adi Da said: "Today we showed the level of the top teams in Europe, except for the result of the game, all other aspects are doing well. Losing is a harsh reality, but if we can maintain this level, we are capable of winning the game."
