Schadenfreude (n.) – A feeling of pleasure or satisfaction when something bad happens to someone else.
It’s ironic that the emotion most Arsenal fans are feeling derives from their German opposition.
But watching their side dismiss Bayer Leverkusen in the manner they did, while their English counterparts received their own dismantling, it would be hard not to crack at least a wry smile. A cheeky grin. A mischievous smirk.
They made their job look easy. A 2-0 win at home. Goals from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice separated either side of a half-time that may as well have been a spa break.
And, in the process, they became the first English team to win a Champions League knockout match this year. Only the ninth time of asking.
All the while, Chelsea and Manchester City were all but eliminated before the interval – Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Vinicius Júnior their respective poisons.
In truth, it was the first leg that decided all the ties. Overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit has only ever happened on five occasions before. Admittedly, one of those occurred a matter of minutes before kick-off as Sporting saw off minnows Bodo/Glimt in extra time, but let’s not diminish their achievements by stating it’s easy. Whereas Arsenal were only level.
Arteta’s side have created the roadmap to tackle two-legged ties. They’ve developed the cheat code; they know all the combinations. But it’s also not rocket science.
It’s a simple blueprint – remain defensively sound in the first leg, then capitalise on home advantage in the second.
As much as the ‘away goals’ law no longer exists, it seems a draw away from home is an advantage enough.
Yet it appears so impossible to replicate.
Twice Chelsea equalised against PSG at the Parc des Princes but couldn’t hold on in the final 15 minutes. And Pep Guardiola’s side were stunned by three moments of individual brilliance from Federico Valverde – a man who doubled his goal tally for the season in that single outing.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but by any necessary means, the Gunners have developed a staying power that others have simply not been able to mimic.
Perhaps it’s down to luck. The ‘trip’ on Noni Madueke seemed dubious to say the least. Or perhaps it’s time-wasting over a goal kick with over half an hour left to play.
But regardless, Leverkusen never had a sniff.
David Raya entertained a relatively mundane evening, though it didn’t deny him the opportunity to exhibit his capability when denying Christian Kofane a late consolation.
Gabriel and Saliba were rarely troubled, deterring the onslaught of crosses that ensued throughout the second half.
But in amongst the stoic defence lies the freedom of Eze. A spark in a system so formulaic yet effective. The former Crystal Palace man was in cruise control, prancing around the Emirates like it was a kickabout with his mates.
It’s for this carefree witticism that Arsenal signed Eze in the first place. His energy, his trickery, his genius. They provide a point of difference and it showed in his goal.
The sheer audacity to perform an ‘El Tornado’-esque volley from 20 yards out – who does that? Well, Eberechi Oluchi Eze does.
And it makes you wonder, how far can this team go?
The EFL Cup final against Manchester City takes place on Sunday, win that and the fabled quadruple hoves into view. Only 2022/23 Liverpool stirred more of a hubbub in terms of Google searches.
A commanding nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League is ominous even when City have a game in hand, but the narrative has shifted in the last week.
This Arsenal side are demonstrating not only signs of champions, but signs of repeated dominance. And in what was billed as a crucial period ahead of the international break, with three major hurdles to overcome, it’s two down, one to go.
A critical Premier League victory against Everton, followed by progression to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and now attention turns to Wembley.
As Arteta said – Trust the process.
Practice what you preach after all.
Paul Edwards
Paul, often known as Eddie, is the Editor-in-Chief for the Sports Gazette, as well as a keen football enthusiast. As a sports freak, he can often be found ranting about how his lookalike, Lewis Hall, should be in the England squad or how Rehan Ahmed is criminally overrated. Paul publishes his projects on Substack (@pauledwards123) as well as writing for Hampton and Richmond Borough FC. His passion for sport is palpable, and he is excited for the opportunity to write about the ups and downs of high-level sport. Contact him via [email protected].
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