Havertz saves Arsenal from defeat in Leverkusen with a brace

The Gunners won a controversial penalty in the very end of the first leg against Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16 of the Champions League and drew (1:1) before the second leg in England, even though the Pharmacists were better, especially in the second 45 minutes.

Very little action was provided by the chosen ones. Mikela Artete i Kaspera Hjulmanda in the first half of the game. The London club was not in a hurry, had more possession of the ball and patiently built up their actions. At the same time, they were not specific enough and failed to score, although they Gabriel Martinelli had the best chance of the first half when he hit the crossbar in the 19th minute.

On the other hand, the German team threatened from counterattacks but each time Gabriel i William Saliba They cut off the opponent's attacks in the bud. However, at the very start of the second half of the game, literally in the first minute, the home team scored with Arsenal's strongest weapon – a free kick. More precisely, a corner kick.

Alejandro Grimaldo showed once again why he is responsible for every break and why he deserves to be called one of the best break makers today. The Spaniard sent a perfect deflected ball to the far post where the captain of the black and reds was alone Robert Andrich who just put his head down and passed the ball into the net.

That didn't wake up the guests. In the rest of the match, the Pharmacists were much closer to a second goal than the Gunners to an equalizer.

However, Bayer failed to convert any of the numerous chances that came their way in the final minutes of the match. It was the 88th minute when the substitute Noni Madueke fell in the penalty area after minimal contact with Malikom Tilmanom, the referee immediately pointed to the white spot, and the penalty kick was calmly sent into the net Kai Haverc.

Whether this contact was enough for a penalty is up to you to decide. Look at that situation. HERE.

Despite drawing, it is certain that Arteta's men will have to put in a much better performance in the return leg at the Emirates if they are to progress. The match in London is in six days.