MILAN -- The uncertainty around Arsenal grows. Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Internazionale is not a severe blow to their UEFA Champions League hopes, but it does make a top-eight finish and the automatic qualification that comes with it more doubtful. It continues a difficult week where uncertainty arose off the field in unexpected fashion with the abrupt departure of sporting director Edu Gaspar and questions grow over their durability in the Premier League title race after falling seven points behind leaders Liverpool .
All three situations can be rescued and resolved, but the Gunners have been a picture of stability and sustained progress for more than two years. This is in danger of feeling different. The breaks aren't going their way at present.
Injuries have disrupted their rhythm and manager Mikel Arteta was visibly frustrated with the officiating here at San Siro after Mikel Merino was denied a penalty at one end before conceding one at the other. With 28 minutes on the clock, Merino appeared to be taken out by goalkeeper Yann Sommer but VAR must have detected the faintest touch on the ball as a corner was awarded. Editor's Picks Champions League as it happened: Atlético stun PSG, Barca smash Red Star Belgrade 3h ESPN Premier League coaching hot seat index: Ranking all teams by who will be fired next 1d Ryan O'Hanlon Liverpool wanted Alonso, but Slot proves he's the better choice 1d Mark Ogden On the stroke of half-time, Merino handled a free kick in the box in one of .
