Arsenal’s European unbeaten run extends. But the team’s display will not please Mikel Arteta. The 1-1 draw in Germany flattered nobody. Viktor Gyokeres had trouble making his mark. The visitors looked set to return with nothing before a late penalty changed all of that. The tie is level. The concerns, however, remain.
Viktor Gyokeres looked lost in the BayArena
The Swedish striker went through a difficult evening at the BayArena. He failed to register a single shot on goal during his 74 minutes on the pitch. Viktor Gyokeres looked isolated and failed to impose his physical presence against a solid defensive line. As per stats, he managed a mere 21 touches and lost the ball six times. His German teammate Kai Havertz replaced the striker.
This lack of impact reveals a broader trend in his first campaign in London. He has scored 15 goals in 39 games this season, including 10 in the Premier League. However, he is still behind several top forwards in the division. His season has been a rollercoaster so far. From great showings such as his brace in the North London derby to poor outings like the last match.
Swedish legend Anders Limpar has been vocal about these technical issues. As per reports, he stated the striker is a work in progress: “We see the ball bounce off him too much sometimes. He needs to improve the technical sides of his game.”Limpar currently scores the forward a six out of ten for the season. He noted that he should have scored more given the quality of his teammates.
Havertz provides the clinical touch
Meanwhile, the arrival of Kai Havertz in the 74th minute proved to be the turning point for the visitors. While the starting attackers lacked a clinical edge, the German immediately posed a fresh threat in the final third.
His defining moment came in the 89th minute when he stepped up to convert a high-pressure penalty. The referee gave the penalty after Malik Tillman tripped Noni Madueke following a direct drive into the area. Havertz showed immense composure to stroke the ball into the bottom corner against his former side.
Havertz’s technical edge was on full display, particularly in holding the ball and aerial duels. As per stats, Havertz won 100 per cent of the aerial battles he engaged in during his brief cameo. This gave Arsenal the physical presence that the starters had lacked.
Former players like Bacary Sagna have compared his playing style to that of Robin van Persie. This comparison comes from his clever movement and ability to link play.
Arteta faces Viktor Gyokeres selection dilemma for second leg
After the final whistle, Mikel Arteta admitted that his side must improve their execution for the return fixture. He noted that Bayer Leverkusen routines caught the Gunners cold shortly after half-time. This resulted in the opening goal, which was an unmarked header by Robert Andrich, scored from a corner.
However, the manager remains confident that playing at the Emirates will provide a huge boost. Arsenal have a strong record on their home ground and have already beaten teams like Bayern Munich. However, Leverkusen remains a major threat. Their speed in transition and the directness of young forwards like Christian Kofane will pose a real risk.
Consequently, Arteta faces a major selection headache for the second leg. While Viktor Gyokeres offers raw power, Havertz’s technical security might suit a high-stakes football match better. Arteta must decide whether to trust his summer signing to bounce back. Or whether the “new Van Persie” has done enough to start the decider.
Heading to the Emirates
Arsenal head back to London with the tie level. The first leg raised real questions about Gyokeres. Havertz answered some of them in 16 minutes. Arteta now faces a big call for the second leg. The Emirates awaits. And so does a decision that could define Arsenal’s Champions League campaign.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add Football Express as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Add as a preferred source on Google
Souvik Bose
Souvik Bose is a junior football writer at Football Express, where he contributes articles focused on ongoing developments and discussions from the football world. His work involves covering news stories, key talking points, and the narratives that shape how fans engage with the sport.At Football Express, Souvik focuses on delivering football coverage that is timely, informative, and accessible to readers following the game closely. His writing reflects a deep interest in the evolving culture of football and the stories that emerge around the sport’s biggest moments.
Recommended for you