Player ratings: Inter 1-0 Arsenal – Calhanoglu is everywhere, Bisseck and De Vrij impassable

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 06: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale headers the ball clear during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on November 06, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter made the most of a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty to see off Arsenal and move to 10 points, as they remained unbeaten in the Champions League’s group phase. Football Italia were among the accredited media at the San Siro, here are the player ratings.

Inter

Sommer 6.5 – He came alive from countless scares caused by Arsenal’s set-pieces and completed his night with a crucial stop on Havertz.

Pavard 6.5 – Always aggressive on his man and focused to clear every possible threat, he’s gradually returning to his best form.

De Vrij 7 – A proper defensive stronghold, impossible to overcome for Arsenal.

Bisseck 7.5 – A mix of concentration and courage, his confidence increased with every passing minute, allowing him to deliver another defensive masterclass against an English giant.

Dumfries 7 – Inter’s first massive chance of the game came from his feet, but also proved a constant handful for Timber. Added a providential save on the goal line on top of an already solid display.

Frattesi 5 – He seemed to struggle to find the right position on the right when Inter defended for long periods in the first half and lacked precision when combining with his teammates. (62’ Barella 6)

Calhanoglu 7 – He accompanied the strikers in leading his team’s first line of pressure, helped his side play from the back and remained ice-cold from the spot. (71’ Asllani 6)

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale scores his team’s first goal from the penalty-spot during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on November 06, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Zielinski 6 – His tasks included long moments of defensive coverage in support of Darmian, which probably prevented him from being more lucid with the ball on his feet. (62’ Mkhitaryan 6)

Darmian 6 – Had to remain focused on containing Saka for 90 minutes, a duty which didn’t leave room for anything else.

Taremi 6.5 – He was useful in shielding his opponents’ passing lines in the first half, but little more than that. However, his swift play in Arsenal’s box earned Inter a penalty. (79’ Dimarco n/a)

Lautaro Martinez 5.5 – A complicated night for the hosts’ captain, who mostly played with his back to the goal against an aggressive defensive duo. (62’ Thuram 5.5)

Inzaghi 6.5 – While his choices were undoubtedly risky, they eventually paid off and put his side in a favourable position in the standings after four games. Inter’s ability to sit deep and remain focused without conceding is probably the best news of the night for their manager.

epa11706125 Inter Milan’s players celebrate the 1-0 goal during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Inter and Arsenal FC at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 06 November 2024. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI

Arsenal

Arsenal: Raya 6; White 6, Saliba 6.5, Gabriel 6, J Timber 5.5 (82’ Zinchenko n/a); Partey 5.5, Merino 5 (46’ Gabriel Jesus ), Trossard 5.5 (82’ Nwaneri n/a); Saka 5.5, Havertz 6.5 (90’ Odegaard n/a), Martinelli 6. Coach: Arteta 5.5.

UCL | Inter 1-0 Arsenal: Calhanoglu and rock solid defence