Mikel Arteta assures that Arsenal will enhance their performance to overcome Bayer Leverkusen.
LEVERKUSEN, Germany — Mikel Arteta has pledged that Arsenal will enhance their performance and “finish it in London” following their Champions League aspirations being challenged during a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen.
Substitute Kai Havertz’s penalty in the 89th minute equalized Robert Andrich’s header scored in the 46th minute during Wednesday’s round-of-16 first leg encounter.
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The Gunners were underwhelming for extended stretches in Germany. After Gabriel Martinelli hit the crossbar with an early opportunity, they managed only two shots on target throughout the match as the hosts posed a threat of an upset.
However, following Havertz’s composed penalty, Arsenal will now be strong contenders to advance to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive year in the return leg at Emirates Stadium next Tuesday, where Arteta acknowledged the need for improvement.
“[It is a reminder of] how challenging it is to secure a victory against any opponent in this competition, particularly away from home,” he stated at a news conference.
“There is a significant factor there. Then you appreciate what we’ve accomplished to win eight matches in this competition [during the group stage], because it is so difficult that no one has done it before.
“Fully aware of that, we recognized the significance of the match and the challenge posed by the opponent, and now we need to finish it in London.
“The level of execution clearly needs to be improved and it will be better in the second leg. We’ll adjust a few things and yes, we’ll move forward.”
Arteta also commended Havertz’s composure under pressure against his former club. The 26-year-old spent ten years at Leverkusen, having joined as a 10-year-old, before moving to Chelsea in 2020. He subsequently joined Arsenal in 2023.
Havertz was given a framed picture commemorating his time at Leverkusen before the match and received applause as he entered the field in place of Viktor GyΓΆkeres with 16 minutes left.
“Football is an unpredictable game and it brings unique stories, and him returning here after such a long time, being part of this club, to come here and score such a crucial goal, I think it’s a significant moment,” Arteta remarked.
Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand expressed disappointment over Turkish referee Umut Meler’s decision to award the penalty following Malik Tillman’s challenge on Noni Madueke.
“For me, it is not a penalty,” he stated. “Sometimes the referee should refrain from blowing the whistle and then consult with VAR. Then it is 100 percent safe and secure. If he whistles, it is not [a] clear and obvious [mistake], so it remains.”
