Mikel Arteta bemoaned Arsenal's lapses of concentration after their draw 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday.
Arteta watched on as the Gunners fell behind at BayArena just 45 seconds into the second half, with an unmarked Robert Andrich heading past David Raya at the back post.
But Arsenal ensured they would not have to overcome a deficit in North London next Tuesday when Kai Havertz netted a late penalty to seal a draw against his former club.
Havertz's penalty, timed at 88 minutes and 33 seconds, was Arsenal's latest goal from a spot-kick in a major European game since Nicklas Bendtner scored against Porto in March 2010 (90:26).
However, the way in which Arsenal found themselves behind frustrated Arteta, with Andrich's goal just the second time that Arsenal had conceded in the first minute of the second half in a major European game, after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal for Barcelona in the Champions League in March 2010.
Leverkusen's forward-thinking kick-off saw Martin Terrier force a save from Raya, with the opening goal coming from the resulting corner.
"The game had very different periods. We started well, had a massive chance, hit the crossbar with Martinelli," Arteta told TNT Sports.
"We had some dominance, but didn't do enough actions. They were quite dangerous because of that. We didn't pay enough attention at kick-off, and after they scored the goal.
"We had to stay emotionally very composed, we improved with the changes and found a way to draw the match. These are the details.
"They have certain routines, we didn't do it, and we paid the price for it."
Despite the tie being all square, the Opta supercomputer has still backed Arsenal to progress, with the Gunners assigned a 79% chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
And they have good reason to fancy their chances, given they have now 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.
Noni Madueke, who won the penalty for Havertz, is confident that his team can get over the line, with the winner of the tie facing Bodo/Glimt or Sporting in the last eight.
"We came here to try to win, but when you can't, it's good to draw," Madueke said.
"We're fully confident heading back to the Emirates, we're confident we can get the job done back in London."
Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand and goalscorer Andrich both made their feelings known about the decision to award a penalty for Madueke, who went down under the challenge of Malik Tillman inside the penalty area.
"I felt contact, so I went down, penalty. I know Kai very well, he's been scoring high-pressure goals all his career. I had 100 per cent confidence in him," Madueke added.
"When you come on and your team is losing, you've got extra impetus to take risks. I tried to mix it up as much as possible.
"When you score in the last minute to draw it's a positive. We know we could have been better, but away to a top team, it's a positive result.
"Our basics could be better. On the ball, we weren't as good at threatening their box, but we will show that in London, for sure."
Duaaikmsty
0
and play with who? some of you are just more than stupid when you talk sometimes
may be we are, but you your are not only stupid but also blind and senseless after substituting him who did he play with? when Jesus used to perform at city he was played as winger by pep. we have also max. compare Saka previous performance and now then you will note you are stupid blind and ignorance.
Keyckmotz
0
Zubimendi dnt give forward passes ....he's always lost in the midfield duel leaving only Rice to do the work Pair Rice with Norgaard ,just change something at least surprise ur opponent not always playing same thing over nd over again
resabekpst
1
We need to up our tempo, we pass too much from defenders to defenders, and our opponents have time to play a low press. We have become too obvious in our play, it’s getting boring to watch at present.Martinelli runs all over the place with the ball, Gyrolokes isn’t delivering its a pity Max Dowman is so young for he always causes problems. We should give him more minutes.
Nukbmnpst
0
Stupid Artete why always playing Eze with him Arsenal is always minus 1
Seobdmnyz
1
Arteta should make the team move the ball quickly and stop the slow - motion football from the backline to the midfield. Arteta calls it "control". That's why our opponents have 9 men behind the ball in the defence. We are too slow from defence to midfield before releasing the ball ⚽. Why did Rice( twice) and Timber( twice) make passes that were intercepted near and inside the penalty area instead of shooting? Arteta let these players play freely because Rice said they always play according to your instructions which you did not deny till date.
Nakelpruyz
0
Coyg
Zabdmnrsuy
0
stop depending on Saka his best is no more second our midfielders are very slow no creativity it high time you stop playing with two, 6 ie zumbi and rice.
and play with who? some of you are just more than stupid when you talk sometimes
Keplnrsuz
0
Is never concentration Arteta is a sankwas.
vitadeklmo
2
Who thought Barcelona, Arsenal,Liverpool and Chelsea can be so disappointment .And am very disappointed for these team and to be honest they are not the favourite to win the champions league, so give it to bayern Munich or Real Madrid 👀
Duaaikmsty
1
stop depending on Saka his best is no more second our midfielders are very slow no creativity it high time you stop playing with two, 6 ie zumbi and rice.
Honsheyi
3
Arteta needs to really do better with his tactics and approach to game. His game management is really poor