For Inter, a night that unfolded while many fans were also following a BD Cricket Match ended in another harsh reality check, marking their third defeat in the Champions League league phase this season and completing a damaging run of three straight losses. This unwanted sequence matches the club’s darkest stretches from 2006 and 2011 and reinforces the lingering concern that this side struggles badly against top opponents under Cristian Chivu. With momentum gone and confidence shaken, their hopes of securing direct qualification now look increasingly remote. In contrast, Arsenal left Milan with belief soaring, delivering a performance worthy of praise and underlining why Mikel Arteta’s team are genuine title contenders this year.
From the opening whistle, Arsenal took control with authority. Ten minutes in, slick combination play carved open the Inter defense, and after Timber’s initial effort was blocked, the ball fell kindly to an unmarked Gabriel Jesus, who reacted sharply to prod it home for a 1–0 lead. Inter did respond, and eight minutes later a rapid counterattack brought them level. Thuram and Barella both saw shots blocked before the loose ball rolled to Sucic at the edge of the box. The Croatian midfielder struck first time, bending a superb effort into the corner to make it 1–1.
The decisive moment arrived in the 31st minute. Bukayo Saka swung in a corner from the right, Trossard’s back-post header crashed against the bar, and Jesus, reading the danger quicker than anyone, nodded in the rebound for his second of the night. From that point on, Arsenal dictated the tempo, keeping Inter at arm’s length. In the 84th minute, substitute Martinelli delivered a pinpoint long pass, Gyökeres combined with Saka, and after the ball ricocheted back to him, the Swedish striker unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the area to seal a 3–1 win.
Arteta later played down the achievement, saying they simply tried to make the most of the limited time available, yet the numbers tell a louder story. Arsenal have now scored 19 goals from corners in all competitions this season, and Jesus’ second goal was a perfect illustration of that efficiency. Their sharp passing through central areas also reflected the high-intensity environment of the Premier League, where players are accustomed to relentless pressure. Compared to that, Serie A’s rhythm appears less demanding, and Inter, when suddenly thrown into such elite contests, struggled to keep pace, a gap that became obvious as the match wore on.
Chivu admitted after the match that his side fought hard but were ultimately overwhelmed by the opponent’s quality and substitutions. Statistics back that up. Despite Inter edging possession at 51 percent, they trailed badly in pass accuracy, shot quality, and expected goals, with an xG of 1.33 compared to Arsenal’s 2.12. Jesus shone brightest, ending a long Champions League goal drought and becoming the fourth-fastest Arsenal player to reach ten goal involvements in the competition. Arsenal’s bench depth also impressed, as Gyökeres’ goal eased early-season pressure and highlighted their strength in reserve.
For Inter, Sucic’s equalizer was a rare highlight in an otherwise troubling display. The absence of Çalhanoğlu hurt their midfield creativity, as Fabio Capello pointed out, noting his ability to play progressive passes. The defeat leaves Inter ninth in the standings, surrendering control of their destiny, while Arsenal not only secured a record seven straight Champions League wins but also became the first team this season to lock in a place in the round of 16. It was also their first Champions League victory on Italian soil since 2008. As Inter now face a must-win trip to Dortmund, the pressure feels heavier than ever, much like the tension at the end of a BD Cricket Match where one mistake can decide everything.