Arsenal rescued a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the BayArena, thanks to a late penalty from former Leverkusen star Kai Havertz. The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg in London.
Leverkusen took the lead through Robert Andrich's header, capitalising on a lapse in concentration from Arsenal's defence. Mikel Arteta admitted his side 'didn't pay enough attention from the kick-off', which changed the complexion of the match. Arsenal had earlier hit the crossbar through Gabriel Martinelli, which Arteta felt could have altered the game's outcome.
Noni Madueke, introduced as a substitute, proved pivotal for Arsenal. Arteta praised the winger for changing 'the game's rhythm, the dynamic, the threat'. Madueke won the decisive penalty after being tripped by Malik Tillman, with VAR upholding the decision. Havertz calmly slotted home, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Despite a flat display, Arsenal will be satisfied with a draw, having won all eight group-stage matches. Madueke acknowledged the team's shortcomings, saying: 'Our basics: on the ball we weren't as good as we can be... But we'll be better in London.' The second leg promises to be a tightly contested affair.
