**Arteta Faces More Challenges as Arsenal Falls to Inter and Loses Unbeaten Record in Champions League**

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's troubles are worsening, as his squad suffered their first Champions League loss under surprising circumstances against Inter Milan. Following the unexpected resignation of sporting director Edu, Arsenal's unbeaten record in the league was shattered by Hakan Calhanoglu, who maintained his flawless penalty record, scoring the decisive goal in a fiercely contested match.

The game proved particularly frustrating for Arteta, who was booked for handball in the second half and came close to being sent off while pushing his team to find an equalizer. Despite a vastly improved performance after the break, which saw Arsenal register 13 corners compared to Inter's none, they ultimately recorded their second consecutive 1-0 away defeat.

This loss contrasts starkly with Arsenal's historical triumph nearly 21 years ago at the same venue, where they enjoyed a stunning 5-1 victory. Arteta welcomed the return to Champions League action, describing it as the kind of game that excites him, and was pleased to have captain Martin Ødegaard available on the bench after a lengthy absence due to an ankle injury. However, Arsenal were missing Declan Rice, with Thomas Partey taking his place in central midfield and Ben White featuring in a back four that had not conceded a single goal in their previous three Champions League matches. Inter, boasting a similar defensive record but with two more goals than Arsenal, also had key players Calhanoglu and Mehdi Taremi back in the lineup after resting them over the weekend.

Inter took immediate control of the match, nearly scoring within the first 100 seconds when Denzel Dumfries hit the crossbar and Calhanoglu narrowly missed from distance. Arsenal found it difficult to establish their rhythm early on, and required a crucial defensive effort from Gabriel Magalhães to intercept a dangerous ball by Taremi. The defender received a caution after a tussle with Inter's captain, Lautaro Martínez.

Arsenal's first significant chance came in the 27th minute when Bukayo Saka's play opened up a chance that led to their first shot on target by Martinelli. A promising cross from Martinelli almost connected with Mikel Merino but was punched clear by Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer. Towards the end of the first half, a controversial penalty was awarded to Inter when Merino handled the ball from a close-range volley by Taremi. Calhanoglu converted the penalty, leaving Arteta visibly angered.

For the second half, Arteta made strategic changes, bringing on Gabriel Jesus and shifting Kai Havertz to midfield. Arsenal pressed hard, with Martinelli shooting into the side netting and William Saliba missing a clear header opportunity from a corner. Another corner saw Gabriel's header cleared off the line by Dumfries.

Despite bringing on Gabriel Jesus and later Ødegaard, Arsenal couldn't break through Inter's resolute defense. Frustrations boiled over as Arteta received a yellow card for a bizarre handball incident, and narrowly avoided a second card for protesting another decision. A clear chance for Havertz was squandered, allowing Yann Bisseck to block his shot.

In the end, Inter's defense stood firm, securing their lead and handing Arsenal another challenging defeat as they prepare for a tough upcoming match against Napoli. Arsenal, meanwhile, must quickly regroup for their London derby against Chelsea. This latest setback adds to an already tumultuous week for Arteta and the Gunners.