Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explains how Bayer Leverkusen’s opening goal changed the game as the Gunners settled for a 1-1 draw in their Champions League clash.
Mikel Arteta has explained why Arsenal were unable to secure victory against Bayer Leverkusen after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Arsenal began the match strongly but fell behind when Robert Andrich opened the scoring for Leverkusen with a header from a corner kick. The goal shifted the momentum of the game and forced the visitors to adjust their approach.
Arteta admitted the goal had a significant impact on his team’s rhythm, explaining that the match went through different phases after the early breakthrough from the German side.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remained composed in the second half and gradually worked their way back into the contest as they searched for an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off late in the match when Kai Havertz calmly converted a penalty to level the score and rescue a draw for the Premier League side.
Arteta praised Havertz’s composure under pressure and expressed satisfaction that his team managed to recover from a difficult moment, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the decisive second leg.
