Calhanoglu: ‘I did something different’ on Inter-Arsenal penalty | OneFootball

Hakan Calhanoglu reveals he ‘did something different’ on the Inter penalty against Arsenal and only saw threats from set plays.

The Nerazzurri secured a 1-0 victory at San Siro thanks to Calhanoglu, who stepped up to the spot after a Mikel Merino handling offence.

It was the 19th penalty that the Turkey international has converted out of 19 for the club, but this time he rolled it down the middle past David Raya.

Calhanoglu decisive in Inter-Arsenal

“I hope to continue with this perfect record. I watched the goalkeeper all the way to the end and did something different this time,” Calhanoglu told Amazon Prime Video Italia.

Arsenal had not conceded a goal yet in the Champions League this season, but suffered their first defeat against the Nerazzurri.

“In general it was a very difficult match, because Arsenal are a really strong team. All the matters is the result and we defended well, kept a clean sheet.

“Arsenal took a lot of corners, but our defenders did so well in those situations. At times we have to suffer a little more under pressure, but we sacrificed ourselves for the team.”

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale scores his team’s first goal from the penalty-spot during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on November 06, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

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This was the first start for Calhanoglu in almost a month, since he sustained a muscular injury while on international duty with Turkey.

“It was difficult, I hadn’t played for three weeks. I’ve been on the pitch 90 minutes over the last two games, I needed to get those minutes in my legs.

“Now I feel ready to play against Napoli.”

Inter will face Serie A leaders Napoli in the Scudetto showdown on Sunday evening, as there is only a two-point gap at the top of the table.