Whoever runs Bayer Leverkusen’s social media accounts obviously meant it as a joke. But even they couldn’t have predicted that a cheeky post hours before kick-off would almost end up being such a good omen for Kasper Hjulmand’s side. “No corners allowed,” it read in a clear dig at Arsenal’s favoured modus operandi this season, before adding: “Worth a try … ”
Nonetheless, the plan seemed to be working for almost the entire cagey first half when neither side managed to muster a single corner until stoppage time. But everything changed at the start of the second half when Leverkusen’s captain Robert Andrich headed home their second corner of the evening. Suddenly Arsenal found themselves in a game. Step forward Kai Havertz to rescue them against his former club as the Germany forward came off the bench to score a late equaliser from the penalty spot after Noni Madueke was brought down.
Best team in Europe? Not on this evidence. After an unprecedented eight straight wins in the group stage, Arsenal had been expected to steamroll youthful opponents who are much changed from the team who recorded an unbeaten Bundesliga season under Xabi Alonso. But until the introduction of Madueke and Havertz they once again lacked creativity in attack and will be relieved to be heading into next Tuesday’s second leg on level terms.
