Shkodran Mustafi believes that while Arsenal are the favourites of their upcoming Champions League tie, they’ll’t afford to underestimate Bayer Leverkusen.
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Former Arsenal defender spoke to Bild this week in regards to the Gunners’ upcoming Champions League tie in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen.
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Although the 33-year-old argued that Arsenal are the favourites to progress, he warned that the staff can’t afford to take it straightforward in opposition to the Bundesliga aspect.
“Arsenal are the favorites, however they’re dealing with a tricky opponent,” Mustafi . “Leverkusen have reached the Champions League spherical of 16 and have the standard to harm any staff.
“Mikel Arteta has labored for years to convey the staff to this stage. Nevertheless, Arsenal can solely achieve success in the event that they take each opponent significantly.
“[Leverkusen’s win over Manchester City] made an impression in England and is prone to be a subject of dialogue at Arsenal as properly.”
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As Mustafi factors out, Leverkusen have already crushed Manchester Metropolis 2-0 this season, and so they additionally secured a 2-2 draw in opposition to Newcastle United. Arsenal can be silly to imagine they’ll stroll to victory when their fellow Premier League sides didn’t.
Leverkusen have additionally been sturdy on the again in latest Champions League appearances, conserving clear sheets in 5 of their final seven video games. The Gunners would possibly discover it tough to create probabilities in the event that they’re not at their greatest.
Mustafi believes might be pivotal to Arsenal’s success or failure, naming the midfielder as key man.
“It’s tough to single out one participant from this squad. However in my view, Declan Rice is at present an important participant,” Mustafi mentioned. “He combines protection and assault.”
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Arsenal play the primary leg of the Champions League last-16 semi-final away in Germany on Wednesday night time, earlier than returning to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg the next Tuesday.
A constructive end in Leverkusen will surely present loads of purpose for optimism forward of the house leg, so Arteta’s aspect have to be centered and prepared for the battle tomorrow.