Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal rescued a late draw away to Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. They had to huff and puff against the 2024 Europa League winners, but they’ll leave Germany confident of wrapping the tie up and progressing into the quarter-finals next week at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners got off to a lightning start and almost took the lead within 10 seconds, but apart from a Gabriel Martinelli strike that clattered the crossbar, they were largely blunted throughout the opening 45 minutes. Leverkusen remained resolute in their defensive block, while looking for opportunities to counterattack.

While they weren’t rewarded for their efforts in the first half, it didn’t take Leverkusen long after the restart to find a breakthrough. Ironically, it came via a corner, with Robert Andrich nodding home at the back post for the German outfit. It looked like a first-leg defeat, until a surging Noni Madueke run resulted in a penalty for Arsenal, with former B04 ace Kai Havertz converting from 12 yards. Express Sport hands out player ratings after a difficult night in Leverkusen for Arsenal…

Not only one of the best Arsenal players this season, but one of the best performers in all of Europe. Was let down by his team-mates after making a stunning save just before the corner that made it 1-0.

Probably not the outlet Arsenal wanted receiving the ball on the right-hand side, but was strong from a defensive point of view.

Got lost under the ball for Andrich’s opening goal, but was otherwise his usually dependable self. Had plenty of running towards his own goal to do with the Leverkusen counters, yet battled well against a tricky Leverkusen attack.

Much like his centre-back partner, it was a testing night, but one that the Brazil international coped with just fine.

Another solid member of the Arsenal back line. Has locked down the left-hand side, with Riccardo Calafiori having been reduced to rotation minutes.

There’s no doubting his quality, but the question is: do Arsenal need him in midfield every single game? The Spanish midfielder keeps the ball ticking over, but there are times when they could do with someone who is going to pick a pass that unlocks the defence.

He’s here, he’s there, he’s everywhere. If every Arsenal player matched his intensity, they’d have had the Premier League title wrapped up months ago. A real energiser bunny and by far and away their most important player.

Lost his man at the back post for the Leverkusen opener, and while the Englishman wasn’t on the pitch for his defensive contributions, it wasn’t much better at the opposite end.

Has gone missing in big matches for Arsenal far too often in recent weeks. A deflected shot in the win against Brighton shouldn’t paper over the cracks. If the north Londoners are to be successful in the run-in, the Englishman has to up his game. Hooked around the hour mark.

These were the matches that Arsenal spent big bucks on the Swede for. But by the end of his 75 minutes on the pitch, the striker failed to register a shot on target. Simply put, it isn’t good enough.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6/10

Was centimetres away from opening the scoring in the first half and was positive in possession until he took a knock that appeared to slow him down. Has been positive in the Champions League for Arsenal this season.

Added a much-needed intensity off the bench, and while there’s no denying the winger went down easily for the penalty call, the Englishman at least had the courage to take his man on.

Broke the hearts of Leverkusen fans with the late equaliser, given he spent 10 years as a die Werkself player. Kept his cool and tucked home with a pint-point penalty to ensure next week’s second leg starts on level terms.