Inter were beaten 3-1 by Arsenal at San Siro on matchday 7 in the Champions League, remaining on twelve points. The Nerazzurri responded to Gabriel Jesus' early goal with a brilliant strike from Sucic but fell behind again from another corner. In the closing stages, despite several Inter attacks and chances, Arsenal wrapped up the win on the break through Gyokeres.A clinical and composed performance at the iconic San Siro saw Arsenal secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, guaranteeing them a top-two finish and home advantage in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages. Gabriel Jesus was the hero of the night, scoring a brace that underscored his return to form, with substitute Viktor Gyökeres adding a decisive late third goal. The win was Arsenal's seventh consecutive victory in the competition, a new club record, and a powerful message to their European rivals about their credentials this season. Match Analysis Mikel Arteta's side started brightly, seizing the initiative from the first whistle and pressing the hosts high up the pitch. Their early dominance paid off in the 10th minute when Jurriën Timber's scuffed shot was redirected into the net by the alert Gabriel Jesus, who demonstrated his poacher's instincts from close range. Inter, however, responded swiftly. In the 18th minute, after an initial effort was blocked, the ball fell to Petar Sučić on the edge of the box, who unleashed a fierce, bending drive into the top corner, leveling the score. Parity was short-lived. Arsenal's proficiency from set pieces—a major weapon this season—came to the fore in the 31st minute. Bukayo Saka's deep corner was headed across the face of goal by Leandro Trossard, hitting the crossbar, and Gabriel Jesus was perfectly positioned to nod in the rebound for his second goal of the night. In the second half, Inter pushed for an equalizer, but Arsenal's defense, featuring a standout performance from Cristhian Mosquera in place of the rested Gabriel, held firm. The match was sealed in the 84th minute when Viktor Gyökeres, latching onto a sublime pass from Gabriel Martinelli, slammed the ball home to make it 3-1.
Related article - Uphorial Shopify
Tactical Nuances and Implications Arsenal's victory was a triumph of tactical discipline and squad depth. Arteta made seven changes to the starting lineup, yet the team's structure and intensity remained high, a testament to the manager's system and the quality of his players. The ease with which the Gunners rotated their squad while maintaining a high level of performance will be a significant advantage in the demanding knockout rounds. For Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu, the defeat marked a third successive loss in the Champions League, leaving their top-eight hopes hanging by a thread with one match remaining in the league phase. Inter lacked the cutting edge in front of goal that Arsenal displayed, an issue noted by their players and the media. The result in Milan guarantees Arsenal a huge advantage for the remainder of the competition, as finishing in the top four of the league phase ensures a second leg at home in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. This performance, in an arena that had previously seen a heavy Arsenal defeat last season, signals a maturing side capable of competing at the highest level in Europe. The win over a top Serie A side sends a clear message: Arsenal are a team to be feared in this year's Champions League.
Inter
