Mikel Arteta Warns Arsenal of Leverkusen Threat
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta urges caution as Leverkusen visit Emirates Stadium in Champions League last 16.
Gunners look to book quarter-final spot against well-coached Leverkusen...
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is warning his team to be cautious of Bayer Leverkusen, describing them as “well-coached” with a clear structure. The Gunners are looking to secure a Champions League quarter-final spot, but they'll need a strong performance at the Emirates on Tuesday, with the tie currently tied 1-1.
Arteta's side got a late reprieve in the first leg, thanks to Kai Havertz's 89th-minute penalty against his former club. However, Arteta knows Leverkusen will be a tough opponent, especially after they held Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
“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.”
Arsenal, chasing an unprecedented quadruple this season, will be without captain Martin Odegaard and defender Jurrien Timber for the second leg against Leverkusen.
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However, forward Leandro Trossard has been declared fit, giving Arteta a boost ahead of the crucial tie.
“With (Timber) it will be a matter of days, so I'm not sure (on his availability),” Arteta added. “We need everybody available. We know what (defender) Ben White gives us - he trained today, so he is good.”
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