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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.