Mikel Arteta Confident Arsenal Will Improve Against Bayer Leverkusen

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal will improve and finish the job against Bayer Leverkusen in London after a tense Champions League draw.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists his team will improve when they face Bayer Leverkusen in London after a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash in Germany.

The Gunners entered the tie in strong form after dominating the league phase, but they endured a difficult evening at the BayArena. Despite controlling long spells of possession, Arsenal failed to convert several promising situations into goals.

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The match changed dramatically moments after the restart when Robert Andrich powered a header into the net from a corner, leaving Arsenal chasing the game.

Speaking to Arsenal.com after the match, Arteta admitted his team had been warned about the danger of Leverkusen’s restart routines.

“We showed them three clips and we weren’t ready for it,” Arteta said. “There was a lack of attention or urgency in both situations and we paid the price.”

Although Arsenal struggled to create clear chances for large periods, Arteta’s changes from the bench proved decisive in the closing stages.

Substitute Noni Madueke injected fresh energy into the attack and produced the decisive moment late in the match. The winger drove into the penalty area and won a spot-kick after a challenge from Leverkusen’s defence.

Kai Havertz, returning to the club where he began his professional career, stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 89th minute.

Arteta praised the influence of his substitutes after the match.

“We improved with the finishers,” the Arsenal manager explained. “A different threat started to create around the box and Noni created the moment to score. It was a big moment in the game and in the tie.”

The goal marked the seventh time this season that an Arsenal substitute has scored in the Champions League.

Havertz Enjoys Emotional Return

Havertz’s equaliser carried extra significance given his history with Leverkusen.

The German forward spent a decade developing at the Bundesliga club before moving to Chelsea in 2020 and later joining Arsenal in 2023. Before kick-off, Leverkusen honoured him with a framed photo celebrating his time at the club.

Arteta acknowledged the emotional storyline surrounding the goal.

“Football creates special stories,” Arteta said. “For him to come back here after such a long time and score such an important goal was a big moment.”

Despite the mixed performance, Arteta remained confident about Arsenal’s chances of progressing.

The Spanish coach stressed that his side must improve their execution and concentration when the teams meet again at the Emirates Stadium.

“Now we need to finish it in London,” Arteta declared. “The level of execution has to be better and it will be better in the second leg.”

Arteta also called on the Emirates crowd to provide the atmosphere needed to push Arsenal through to the next round.

“We’re going to need our people behind us,” he added. “That home energy and belief can make a big difference.”

Arsenal Look to Seal Quarter-Final Spot

With the tie finely balanced, Arsenal will enter the return leg confident that home advantage could prove decisive.

The Gunners remain in contention for major honours this season, and Arteta’s squad depth continues to play a crucial role during their demanding schedule.

Leverkusen still pose a threat, particularly from set-pieces and quick transitions. However, Arsenal will believe that a sharper attacking display in north London can secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The stage is now set for a decisive European night at the Emirates.

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