Inter Milan capitalized on a decisive Hakan Calhanoglu penalty to secure a hard-fought victory over Arsenal, moving up to 10 points in the Champions League group stage and maintaining an unbeaten record.
Football Italia, present at San Siro for this showdown, offered player ratings that reflected Inter’s tenacity and adaptability in a tense encounter.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer received a 6.5, as he faced repeated threats from Arsenal’s set-pieces but ultimately stood firm, making a crucial save against Kai Havertz late in the game.
Benjamin Pavard matched Sommer’s score with his assertive, no-nonsense defending. His relentless man-marking was key to keeping Arsenal’s forwards in check, showcasing the progress in his form.
Stefan de Vrij earned a 7 for his commanding defensive performance, providing a barrier Arsenal struggled to penetrate. Alongside him, Yann Aurel Bisseck also earned a 7, combining composure with determination. As the match progressed, his confidence surged, allowing him to deliver another solid showing against one of England’s top clubs.
On the right, Denzel Dumfries was a 7-rated threat, both defensively and offensively. He created Inter’s first significant scoring opportunity and troubled Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber throughout, even saving a shot on the goal line to further cement his impact.
Davide Frattesi was rated 5, having difficulty finding his place in Inter’s setup, especially as they defended for long stretches in the first half. His substitution in the 62nd minute by Nicolo Barella, who earned a 6, brought a bit more balance.
Hakan Calhanoglu, who took on pressing duties and stayed calm to convert the decisive penalty, also received a 7. He left the pitch in the 71st minute for Kristjan Asllani (rated 6), who continued the midfield’s stability.
Piotr Zielinski, given a 6, focused mainly on defensive duties, supporting Matteo Darmian and limiting his offensive influence. His substitution for Henrikh Mkhitaryan (6) offered fresh energy but little change in play.
Matteo Darmian, rated 6, prioritized marking Bukayo Saka, maintaining focus but not venturing forward. In the attack, Mehdi Taremi earned a 6.5, showing tactical awareness in disrupting Arsenal’s passing lanes and drawing the penalty that Calhanoglu converted.
Lautaro Martinez, however, struggled to find space against Arsenal’s defenders, earning a 5.5 before being replaced by Marcus Thuram (5.5).
Manager Simone Inzaghi was rated 6.5 for his strategic decisions. Though some risk-taking was involved, his defensive tactics paid off, placing Inter in a strong positio after four games.
