Mikel Arteta has explained why Mikel Merino was taken off at half-time during Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.
The Gunners dominated much of the match against the Serie A side but ultimately lost 1-0 following a Hakan Calhanoglu spot kick on the stroke of half time. Merino was judged to have handled the ball in the area and referee Istvan Kovacs did not hesitate in pointing to the spot.
Merino was replaced at half-time for Gabriel Jesus and Arteta revealed after the match that it was because the Spaniard was feeling the effects of an incident involving Yann Sommer midway through the first half. The Inter goalkeeper clattered Merino with his fists following a Gabriel Martinelli cross, with Merino getting his head to the ball and Sommer catching the midfielder in the head.
