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Former Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has been analysing Bayer Leverkusen’s chances of beating the Gunners in the Champions League round of 16.
Arsenal have tripped in the round of 16 many times, so they know the importance of not underestimating any opponent.
Mikel Arteta will be aware of how favourable Arsenal’s route to the Champions League final looks on paper, giving the Gunners an incentive to win the prize they’ve never won.
The final is many hurdles away, and the first obstacle for Arsenal to clear comes in the form of Bayer Leverkusen, whom Mustafi has been speaking about ahead of the first leg.
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Credit: Getty Images/Brendan Moran – Sportsfile/UEFA Shkodran Mustafi previews Arsenal’s clash with Bayer Leverkusen
Mustafi wasn’t the most loved figure in N5, but his efforts in 151 appearances and two FA Cup wins won’t be forgotten.
Ahead of the kick-off of the round of 16 in the Champions League, the World Cup winner spoke to BILD to preview the clash, where he gave Bayer Leverkusen some tips on how to get the better of Arsenal.
“Arsenal plays very dominantly with and without the ball and will apply pressure from the start,” he anticipated, before suggesting how to expose Arsenal’s vulnerabilities.
“Leverkusen must be brave in one-on-one situations, remain secure on the ball and attack through the space behind. Then spaces will open up where Arsenal is vulnerable.”
Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images
That wasn’t all that the now-retired defender said, as he also shared his belief that the Gunners have recently been dealt two ‘warning shots’ due to underestimating their opponents.
“Arsenal can only be successful if they take every opponent seriously. The Premier League draws in February against Brentford and Wolverhampton were warning shots.”
Arsenal need to prove their former player wrong and take Bayer Leverkusen’s threat seriously, as Arteta undoubtedly will, understanding the opportunity that is presenting itself to the Gunners.
Arsenal will know not to underestimate Bayer Leverkusen after their last trip to BayArena
Fans will recall when Arsenal thrashed Bayer Leverkusen in the pre-season of 2024.
The match at the Emirates was a joyous day for the Gunners, who left Xabi Alonso’s side stunned.
Now, Arsenal are preparing to take only their second trip to the BayArena to face Leverkusen competitively, with the last visit happening back in 2002.
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Credit: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Arsenal and Leverkusen were drawn in the same Champions League group, and on their travels to Leverkusen, the North Londoners drew 1-1.
It was a 90th-minute equaliser that neutralised Robert Pires’ goal, sending Arsene Wenger’s side back to England with a draw.
Arsenal got revenge shortly after, winning 4-1 at Highbury when they faced off again.
Arteta’s side will head to Leverkusen aiming to become the first Arsenal side to win at BayArena, in what is set to be an exciting clash.
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