Hakan Çalhanoglu's spot-kick in first-half stoppage-time settled a tight contest at Stadio San Siro and handed the Gunners a fresh setback in their Champions League campaign. Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled in the box 17 minutes after being involved in an incident at the other end of the pitch in which he was clattered by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

The Gunners suffered a defeat on the road against the Serie A outfit, but their loss was not without a degree of controversy.

A furious Mikel Arteta described Arsenal’s defeat against Inter Milan as “very, very difficult to accept” – and said his side should have been awarded a penalty after Mikel Merino was “punched” in the head.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League was “very, very difficult to accept” after two penalty decisions went against his team.

Mikel Arteta fired a warning to Chelsea after Arsenal’s Champions League defeat at Inter Milan on Wednesday night.The Gunners lost for the first time in Europe this season after Hakan Calhanoglu converted a controversial penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta bemoaned his side being denied what he felt was a clear penalty as they suffered defeat at Inter Milan. The Gunners were beaten 1-0 by Inter thanks to a penalty from midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu on the stroke of half-time.

Arsenal's turbulent run took another twist on Tuesday night when they were dealt a 1-0 defeat by Inter Milan at the San Siro. Mikel Arteta's side dominated large spells of the match but were left to rue a controversial penalty in first-half stoppage time when Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled the ball.