Calhanoglu fires unbeaten Inter to Champions League win over Arsenal

English Woman's Journal - Calhanoglu fires unbeaten Inter to Champions League win over Arsenal

SPORTS 06.11.2024

Calhanoglu fires unbeaten Inter to Champions League win over Arsenal / Photo: Marco BERTORELLO - AFP

Hakan Calhanoglu fired Inter Milan to a 1-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday to continue their unbeaten start in the Champions League and inflict a first defeat on the Gunners in this year's revamped tournament.

Change text size:

Turkey captain Calhanoglu rifled home the winning penalty in first-half stoppage time to put Inter on 10 points at the halfway point of the new single league phase.

Unbeaten Inter are one of four teams to sit two points behind leaders Liverpool and look a good bet to finish in the top eight places which offer direct qualification for the last 16.

Arsenal meanwhile continued their shaky run of form and sit 12th on seven points, although Mikel Arteta's team deserved more from an engaging encounter at the San Siro.

Calhanoglu's winner was the first goal Arsenal have conceded in the Champions League this campaign and came on his first start since picking up a thigh injury on international duty last month.

His third goal of the season was followed by a clutch of good chances for the away side who were denied a leveller in the second half by a combination desperate defending and one spectacular Yann Sommer save on Kai Havertz.

Inter now face Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday with the chance to move top after five of Simone Inzaghi's first-choice players -- including Italy stars Nicolo Barella and Federico Dimarco and France forward Marcus Thuram -- started Wednesday's match on the bench.

Arsenal face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as they try to snap a run of three Premier League matches without a win and get a faltering season back on track.

Arteta will be able to count on his skipper Martin Odegaard after the Norway international made an appearance as a late substitute for Havertz.

Odegaard had missed Arsenal's 12 previous matches after picking up an ankle injury with his country, and his return is a boost for Arteta who is also sweating on Declan Rice who played no part at the San Siro.

S.Smith--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Calhanoglu fires unbeaten Inter to Champions League win over Arsenal