Inter Player Ratings vs Arsenal: Calhanoglu Doesn’t Miss

Inter squeezed past Arsenal 1-0 in Wednesday’s mouth-watering UEFA Champions League encounter at Giuseppe Meazza. Hakan Calhanoglu scored a match-winning penalty at the tail-end of the first half.

With nothing but goal difference separating the sides ahead of the kick-off, this fixture had all the makings of a blockbuster. Both teams boasted an unbeaten record after the opening three rounds. That’s not to mention they didn’t concede a goal before tonight.

However, while Inter protected their superb defensive record at Europe’s top table, Calhanoglu’s penalty on the stroke of halftime condemned Arsenal to their first European defeat this season. Though the visitors failed to score, they gave Simone Inzaghi’s side a run for their money.

Indeed, Arsenal had an eye-catching 62% possession and generated a jaw-dropping xG of 2.22 goals. But that wasn’t enough to beat Yann Sommer, who delivered another outstanding performance after inspiring Inter to a narrow 1-0 Serie A triumph against Venezia on Sunday.

As a result of Inter’s stubborn defensive showing, they finished round four only two points adrift of Champions League pacesetters Liverpool. More importantly, they extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to eight matches ahead of a mammoth league clash against table-topping Napoli.

Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 7

The Swiss veteran’s confidence continues to grow. Though he only had to make four saves tonight, he commanded his box with authority.

Yann Bisseck – 7.5

Despite committing several sloppy interventions in the early goings, Alessandro Bastoni’s understudy grew into the contest, coping well against Bukayo Saka.

Stefan de Vrij – 7.5

Defending against Arsenal’s set-pieces is perhaps the most arduous task in European football. However, the Dutchman fared outstandingly in the air to fend off the Gunners’ relentless pressure.

Benjamin Pavard – 7.5

Like Bisseck on the left, the French center-back held his ground against Gabriel Martinelli, neutralizing Arsenal’s flank with a defensive masterclass.

Denzel Dumfries – 7

It’s a pity his thunderous effort in the opening ten minutes rattled off the crossbar. It would’ve been a fitting reward for his impressive display.

Davide Frattesi – 6.5

Though his technical shortcomings put him in trouble several times, the Italy international made up for that with another energetic performance.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 8

He cannot miss from the spot! In addition to scoring his second Champions League goal this term, the Turkish star pulled all the strings in the Inter midfield.

Piotr Zielinski – 6.5

His technical prowess often helped Inter retain possession in tight spaces and keep hold of the ball under Arsenal’s intense high press.

Matteo Darmian – 6.5

Inzaghi played him on the left to rest Federico Dimarco, but the ex-Manchester United ace answered the call, faring reasonably well against Saka.

Mehdi Taremi – 6

With Inter defending for most of the game, the Iranian striker spent more time helping his teammates at the back than trying to put David Raya to the test.

Lautaro Martinez – 6

Like his attacking partner, the Inter captain sacrificed his offensive contribution for the greater good.

Substitutes

Nicolo Barella – 6