Arteta cautious as Arsenal face ‘well coached’ Leverkusen in UCL decider

Mikel Arteta has urged his players to produce a complete performance as Arsenal prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

The contest remains finely balanced after the first leg ended 1-1, leaving the outcome open ahead of Tuesday’s decisive clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal required a late equaliser in Germany, with substitute Kai Havertz converting an 89th-minute penalty against his former club to keep the tie level heading into the return leg.

“A lot of factors will contribute for us to be in the quarter-finals,” Arteta said while speaking to reporters on Monday.

“We need to have every element in our favour to achieve that.”

Arteta praises Leverkusen structure

Arteta acknowledged that Leverkusen will pose a significant challenge, highlighting their strong tactical formation.

The German side arrive in North London with confidence after earning a 1-1 draw against Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich over the weekend.

“Watching them play against Bayern, it was very similar,” Arteta said.

“They are really well coached, with a clear structure. We know what we have to do in front of our crowd and hopefully we are going to do it.”

Injury concerns for Arsenal

Arsenal will head into the decisive fixture without club captain Martin Ødegaard and defender Jurriën Timber, both of whom remain unavailable.

However, forward Leandro Trossard has been declared fit for the encounter.

Arteta also provided a positive update on defender Ben White, suggesting he could play a role in the match.

“With (Timber) it will be a matter of days, so I’m not sure,” Arteta added.

“We need everybody available. We know what Ben White gives us, he trained today, so he is good.”

With the tie level and a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Arsenal will be hoping home advantage can help them edge past the German side and keep their Champions League campaign alive.