Madueke proves the difference-maker as Arsenal draw Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

Arsenal secured a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen despite a sloppy performance in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

The Gunners will take a positive result back to the Emirates Stadium.

The hosts took the lead via a corner-kick before Arsenal managed to get themselves back into the game late on.

Gunners forward and former Leverkusen man Kai Havertz bagged an 89th-minute penalty as they shared the spoils.

Arsenal desperately needed an injection of life into their game after a dreadful first 45 minutes, and coach Mikel Arteta brought on Noni Madueke on 60 for Bukayo Saka.

Madueke helped turn the tide, taking the game to the Bundesliga side. The 24-year-old pegged Leverkusen back with his crosses and relentless running.

Arsenal journalist Charles Watts said, “Madueke made a big difference. Good decision from Arteta to hook Saka, who was very poor.”

The England international won the penalty that Havertz converted. He won 3/3 of his ground duels and completed 19/20 passes to help Arsenal secure the draw.

Saka has been Arsenal’s talisman for several seasons, but the winger appears to be enduring a difficult spell at a crucial stage of the campaign.

His influence has dipped in recent weeks, and his quiet display in Leverkusen only reinforced the sense that fatigue may be catching up with him.

That is why Madueke’s growing importance could be pivotal during the run-in.

Signed for a hefty fee that raised eyebrows at the time, he is showing why Arsenal were willing to invest so heavily in his potential.

He injected urgency, directness and belief into a side that looked short of ideas.

Madueke’s direct running, sharp delivery and willingness to take on defenders stretched Leverkusen, ultimately leading to the late penalty that salvaged the draw.

If he continues producing impactful displays like this over the coming weeks, the once-exorbitant signing could quickly start to look like very smart business for Arsenal.