5 talking points as Arsenal pull off rescue act with Havertz haunting Leverkusen

BAYER LEVERKUSEN 1-1 ARSENAL: The German side thought they would take a narrow lead into the second-leg but Kai Havertz late penalty levelled the Champions League tie

Bayer Leverkusen ended Arsenal’s perfect record in the Champions League and left the Premier League leaders needing to overturn a first-leg deficit after they were beaten in Germany.

The English side had won all eight games to advance into the knockouts as top seeds, but were dealt a shrewd reality check as Leverkusen claimed a 1-0 victory courtesy of Robert Andrich’s second-half header.

It means Mikel Arteta’s side will need to beat the Germans next week at the Emirates if they want to justify their tag of Champions League favourites.

Arsenal had their chances, albeit they were limited, with Gabriel Martinelli coming closest to opening the scoring when he found himself with the ball after some intricate play from Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. The Brazilian made himself a yard and his shot beat the goalkeeper, but not the crossbar.

Arsenal may bemoan the fact the man who opened the scoring was still on the pitch. Andrich was booked on three minutes, but that didn’t stop him clattering into Gyokeres shortly after. The referee opting against producing a red card and his stay of execution proved crucial.

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Leverkusen proved they could mix it with Arsenal in the opening 45 minutes without properly testing David Raya. That changed in the second-half. Seconds before the opener Martin Terrier leapt highest with his header forcing a stunning save from the Spaniard, but the reprieve would be short lived as Andrich headed home from the resulting corner.

Havertz though appeared from the bench and was on the spot to finish from 12 yards when Arsenal were given the chance to rescue the game – making them firm favourites to advance next week. Here’s five talking points from Germany.

Kai the main guy

It was written in the stars wasn’t it? The German playmaker came through the ranks at Leverkusen and was adored before he chose to move to Chelsea several years ago. His decade at the club left its mark and when he was introduced from the bench he was cheered, not jeered by the home supporters.

And so when Arsenal were awarded a penalty with minutes remaining it seemed fitting that Havertz would be the man to step up. He cooly slotted his spot kick, and inevitably kept his celebration to a minimum. It may also prove key – with Leverkusen no longer having a lead to defend next week.

Backed into a corner

Arsenal’s prowess from that set pieces is so well documented on the continent that Leverkusen were posting on their social media beforehand about banning corners on Wednesday. They must be glad they didn’t pull it off.

Andrich opened the scoring when he headed home at the back post. The captain was unmarked with the Gunners done at their own game. Their array of different structures and moves from set pieces have stood them in good stead, but they didn’t have the answers when Leverkusen played their own hand.

The ‘easy side’ of the draw

Some are already writing Arsenal’s name in at least the semi-finals of this year’s tournament, others have gone a step further and anointed them as finalists. There’s no doubt they’ve dodged a lot of the traditional European heavyweights, the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Leverkusen could be followed by Bodo/Glimt or Sporting Lisbon. The German side proved they are no walkovers though, even if they don’t have the quality of yesteryear. Bodo/Glimt have made a habit of upsetting the European hierarchy this season. Arteta has continued to urge caution when it comes to his side’s ambitions, and he’s right to do so.

Saka’s new reality

Once upon a time it was unthinkable that, when Arsenal were chasing a game, they would opt to hook Bukayo Saka with half an hour left to play. That is the brave new world for this Gunners’ side, who now have the depth of class that they can afford to haul off the England winger.

Saka began as captain, but that didn’t save him from an early exit. Not only would Saka never have been taken off, his performances merited being on for the entire game, such was his influence. It has been said quietly, given the credit he has in the bank, but Saka’s contributions in the final third have dropped off this season. Arsenal’s quality means that he’s no longer that player assured of game time and he needs to return to form sooner rather than later.

Quansah showing Reds what they miss

Jarell Quansah quit Liverpool in the summer, opting to move to Leverkusen for £35million as the two clubs continued to trade players. The England U21 star saw more first-team opportunities in Germany, which has been the case, and he must already be making the Anfield hierarchy whether they let him go too soon.

Liverpool are set to scour the market for a new centre-half this summer with several of their players potentially moving on. Quansah meanwhile has moved on impressively and looked very at ease in a back three, marching up the pitch. Constant minutes were always going to be vital in his development and his regular outings look to be paying dividends.

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