Four Key Takeaways From Arsenal's Excellent Win At Inter Milan

Here's Charlie Ashmore with his must-read take on Arsenal's satisfying victory over Inter Milan 

1 - What a night!

This felt like a free hit in advance. 

With the safety net of Kairat to come we needed three points to be sure of top two and with that the huge advantage of being home in the second leg of every knockout round to come.  

A chance to rest players and give others some minutes. And the opportunity was taken with multiple changes from the weekend. And my goodness did we take the opportunity. 

European games are a bit of a relief and generally more entertaining because our opponents have not yet collectively decided to stifle us with the dreaded the ten men behind the ball “low block” approach that has become all too common domestically.  And it made for a cracking first half – a bit of ebb and flow, chances at both ends and a nicely poised match at half time. 

The second half was peak Arteta Arsenal as we turned the screws on one of the best sides in Europe and ran away with the win, including the obligatory set piece goal and then a moment of magic about which more below. And it seems there is an added bonus – not only do we play all our second legs at home but we have home league games after every away leg. Another huge benefit.

2 - Ticket exchange option for players

Declan Rice’s cameo was hysterical. He might as well have run onto the pitch with a great big sign saying “watch me ref!”. 

Having tried and failed to get booked once he then proceeded to commit the most obvious yellow card foul in the most visible way possible, ensuring he picked up the booking he needed to use up his lifes and be suspended for the Kairat match.  He was joined in the approach by Mikel Merino who also managed to get booked and ensure he too had the night off.  I saw it commented online that this was the players’ equivalent of a season ticket holder putting their ticket on Ticket Exchange for the match….priceless. 

I can’t help feeling that an old school English ref would have known what was going on and said to Rice “I know your game son – I know what you are up to and let me tell you, I am not playing. 

The only card you’ll see from me tonight is a red card if you go too far and I will make sure it’s for violent conduct so you miss three games not 1”.

3  Thoughts on Havertz and Norgaard 

Two players I expected to see on Tuesday night didn’t feature. 

Christian Norgaard I thought was nailed on to start but again he wasn’t selected and didn’t even get a run out as sub. 

That’s not the first time I have wondered why we signed him if we are not going to use him in games like this when rotation is the policy.  Is he not trusted? Does Arteta just not fancy him as a player? It’s an odd one. 

What is happening with Kai Havertz? 

We know how highly regarded he is by Arteta. We saw his cameo at Pompey and he reminded us in that short appearance what he brings to the team. 

Is he simply not fit enough to play? If so why have him on the bench. Or is it just a case of being ultra-cautious at the moment and just using him when really needed. 

Is he being held back for a particular game?  I don’t know but I am slightly worried about him.   

4 - Some great performances and moments of magic

The moment of the match was undoubtedly that stunning pass from Gabriel Martinelli to Big Vik and then what a finish.  Lovely. 

Little Gabi reminded us what a player he can still be for us. 

A terrific performance – he is surely starting in that huge game on Sunday.  

Cristhian Mosquera was terrific at the back – such a presence and so so solid.  I still cannot believe what a steal he was. 

Myles Lewis-Skelly reminded us of his talent and ability.  I remain astonished by his strength considering his size and age.  

Eberchi Eze did what Eze does – he flitted in and out of the game with promising moments – he is always going to be a player of moments rather than a controlling presence but there’s a role for that. 

The regular starters all did their bit with Martin Zubimendi probably the best of the lot in his understated way. 

This was overall a really good night all round for the squad and sets us up nicely for bigger challenges to come…..starting Sunday!

Read Gooner Fanzine columnist Charlie Ashmore in every print issue. Buy our current edition here 

You can also read popular Charie's hard-hitting digital take after every Arsenal game. Here's his Forest 0-0 Arsenal piece 

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