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Arsenal's Set-Piece Woes: Leverkusen Exploits Weakness
12 Mar
Summary
- Arsenal conceded from a set-piece despite prior warnings.
- Arteta cited player complacency and lack of urgency.
- Leverkusen's coach questioned penalty call after draw.

Mikel Arteta expressed significant frustration following Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16. The Gunners were undone by Leverkusen's set-piece prowess, conceding a goal from an inswinging corner just after halftime. This occurred despite Arteta and his staff showing the players three examples of Leverkusen's kick-off routines prior to the match, highlighting a perceived lack of attention and urgency from his squad.
Kai Havertz equalized for Arsenal from the penalty spot against his former club, a decision that was controversial. Leverkusen's coach, Kasper Hjulmand, questioned the validity of the penalty, stating it was not a clear and obvious error to warrant a spot-kick. He also clarified his earlier comments regarding Arsenal's set-piece tactics, emphasizing his concerns were about the rules themselves rather than Arsenal specifically.
Despite the draw, Havertz's penalty marked a significant moment for the player returning to his boyhood club. He admitted the wait for the penalty to be taken was lengthy but felt confident due to his familiarity with the stadium. The result leaves Arsenal needing a strong performance in the second leg to advance.




