Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen: Second Leg, Final Say - Can The Gunners Fortress Finish Off A Defiant Leverkusen?
Can the Gunners capitalise on their impregnable fortress and get the job done?
The Gunners were stripped of their artillery on a Wednesday night under the bright lights of BayArena. Bayer Leverkusen proved a tough opponent to overcome in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round 16, settling for a 1-1 draw.
The 2005-06 finalists are out to get the job done in front of their home faithful this Tuesday. Our experts believe they can deliver a strong performance in our Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction, putting the tie beyond doubt.
The Emirates Stadium has been their sanctuary this season. After failing to win their last two matches between the 8th and 25th of January, they have come out on top in their last six games at this venue. The record even looks stronger when you consider their past performances in UEFA competitions. They have lost just one of their last 22 UEFA home games; only one defeat was recorded (W16, D5).
In the Champions League, their solid defense has been on full display with 11 clean sheets in their last 16 home games. That robustness was also the driving force behind their success in the league phase, where they conceded a mere four goals - the best defensive record.
However, head coach Mikel Arteta is aware that it doesn't give his side the license to be overconfident. This has to do with their unimpressive record against German opposition, which has seen them lose their last five matches in a UEFA competition.
Success for Arsenal in this upcoming encounter would mean reaching the quarter-finals for the third consecutive time.
Leverkusen storm into North London ready to rewrite UCL history
The North Rhine-Westphalia outfit enters a combustible atmosphere in the return leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against a determined Arsenal. However, they'll hold their heads high and take the fight to the English side.
Leverkusen should be entering this stage with an advantage from the first leg. Robert Andrich opened the scoring for his side against Arsenal just one minute into the second half. After that goal, they put on a disciplined defensive display but couldn't stop former player Kai Havertz from scoring the equaliser late in the game from the penalty spot. Head coach Kasper Hjulmand was critical of the penalty decision, calling it controversial.
Confidence should be high after holding league leaders Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw away from home on MD26 of the Bundesliga. For their own benefit, that result meant they still have a fighting chance of securing a Champions League spot in the standings.
Die Schwarzroten must now channel that domestic resilience in this tournament. Their run in the Round of 16 has been less than satisfactory, as they have lost their last six matches at this stage.
In fact, they've never progressed beyond this stage in ten consecutive editions. The last time they did so was in the 2001-02 season when they reached the final for the first time in club history. Unfortunately, the prestigious silverware eluded them as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the continent's aristocrats, Real Madrid.
The X-Factor: Can Havertz repeat his super-sub heroics?
Arsenal is in no shortage of attacking talent, and this was evident in the first leg when Kai Havertz entered the fray as a substitute, replacing Viktor Gyokeres in the 74th minute.
While he has not been at his best this season due to injuries disrupting his performances, the 26-year-old showed that he can step up to the occasion when the need arises.
He scored a decisive goal against former employers, Leverkusen, to help his side avoid a catastrophic defeat at BayArena. His effort from the penalty spot saw the contest end in a 1-1 draw. That was his fifth goal in six UEFA Champions League games.
However, Viktor Gyokeres, who has been an influential player for the Gunners in this competition, will lead the attack, meaning Havertz will come on as a substitute if available, itching for another clutch display.
Gyokeres should not be overlooked as the Swedish international has six goal contributions in this tournament, scoring four goals and providing two assists. He is also capable of having an impact even during quieter spells in the final third.
