Arsenal delivered a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro, preserving their perfect record in the UEFA Champions League league phase. Manager Mikel Arteta praised the team's maturity and control against a challenging Inter side led by forwards Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. UEFA's analysis highlights Arsenal's tactical discipline and all-round performance.
Arsenal's win on Tuesday showcased their ability to handle Inter's threats while maintaining composure throughout. The match was marked by intense duels, with Inter winning 52% of them, underscoring the home side's competitiveness. As UEFA Technical Observer Jan Peder Jalland noted, Arsenal demonstrated strong resolve in contested balls and 50-50 challenges.
A key tactical battle involved Inter's front two, Martínez and Marcus Thuram, who received 11 line-breaking passes each—more than in their prior fixture against Liverpool. Arsenal countered with centre-backs William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera marking man-to-man, a strategy that demanded one-on-one defending in open spaces without midfield support initially. Jalland explained that Martínez often dropped deep, creating dilemmas for defenders, as seen when he played Thuram through, forcing Saliba to adjust his positioning.
The introduction of Declan Rice at the 64th minute, replacing Eberechi Eze, provided additional defensive cover and balance, aiding Arsenal's control. Goals came from Gabriel Jesus, who opened the scoring after a free-kick sequence, and Viktor Gyökeres, who clinched the match with a counter-attack strike during a set-piece defense. Inter's lone goal was not detailed in the analysis.
Arteta described the performance as "a very complete" one, adding, "The team looked mature, very ambitious and emotionally very controlled." Inter coach Cristian Chivu acknowledged Arsenal's strengths: "They have quality, pace, intensity, individual players." Jalland called Arsenal a "complete team," excelling in high press, counter-pressing, and patient build-up, always with intensity and close player proximity.
This result highlights Arsenal's efficiency in high-stakes away games, maintaining their 100% league phase record.
