Havertz’ late penalty against his former club put a different perspective on what was a disappointing performance from the one Arsenal would have hoped for.
Arteta felt the game had “different phases” and his side were “very dominant” in the first half, but did not take the early chance they had when Gabriel Martinelli’s powerful shot hit the crossbar.
He also unusually took off key player and captain Bukayo Saka after a below-par display, but his replacement Noni Madueke won the penalty that saw Arsenal avoid defeat in the competition for the first time this season.
Leverkusen were not happy with the penalty award as Malik Tillman’s torso seemed to make contact with Madueke’s foot as he dribbled into the box.
But Havertz kept his cool to ensure Arsenal remain favourites in next Tuesday’s return at Emirates Stadium.
“We are confident we will get the job done in London. The manager said just go on and try and change the game,” said Madueke.
“I don’t really know what happened [for the penalty] I just know I felt contact, went down and penalty.
“Kai Havertz has been scoring high-pressure penalties all his career, top composure to step up. Really pleased, not just for him but the team as well.
“When you come on and your team is losing it gives you that extra impetuous to try and change it.”
Arteta was “not surprised” with Madueke’s impact as it was his “biggest quality.”
“He’s very brave at doing that and Noni is a real threat. To have a player with that ability when you need him and to step in in the manner that he did, big credit to him,” added the Spaniard.
Arsenal have avoided defeat in the first leg in four of their last five knockout games in the Champions League (W2 D2 L1), going on to progress in two of the previous three ties.
But in their previous 16 matches at this stage of the competition, they have lost nine and progressed seven times.
Arsenal are still competing for trophies in four competitions and aiming to claim their first silverware since an FA Cup triumph in 2020.
Arteta was pleased his side remained composed when going behind to leave Leverkusen with a draw.
“Yes, that’s why I said emotionally it becomes a very different game because that is a team that is very, very good in transition, and you have more hurry and more rush to create danger and to go and draw the game, and you can get caught while doing that,” he said.
“I liked that emotionally, we understood what we had to do.
“The level of execution obviously has to be better and it will be better in the second leg. We’ll adapt a few things and yes, we’ll move on.”
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