ARSENAL 2-0 (Agg: 3-1) BAYER LEVERKUSEN: The Premier League leaders returned to their London home to see off the Germans as goals from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice took them into the last eight of the Champions League
Eberechi Eze's stunner set Arsenal on their way as they saw off Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates to march into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Their summer signing put the Gunners in control of the game and the tie when he produced a moment of magic from distance before Declan Rice made the game safe just after the hour mark with his first goal in Europe this season.
The Gunners bought a 1-1 draw back to north London following last week's first-leg and quickly set about asserting their dominance. Janis Blaswich in the Leverkusen goal was called upon several times to ensure the game remained goalless, producing a quality save to deny Leandro Trossard.
But the hosts weren't to be denied and shortly before half-time Eze took aim before firing home from 20 yards with his shot past the goalkeeper before he could dive.
The German side, for all their possession, struggled to turn it into clear cut chances as David Raya was rarely tested. Their lack of efficiency ultimately cost them as Rice doubled Arsenal's lead. The midfielder taking a neat touch before finishing from just outside the box with his second touch.
His goal allowed Arsenal the breathing room to change their ranks as Mikel Arteta rung the changes with the tie as good as done with a quarter of the game to do. Kai Havertz, who scored the penalty in Germany a week ago, thought he had the ball in the net before it was chalked off, rightly, for handball. Here's five talking points from the Emirates.
Eze on the money
A word on the goal that broke the deadlock in north London. The Englishman has looked worth every penny the Gunners spent to sign him from Crystal Palace in the summer. He's stepped up impressively and can add a Champions League stunner to his memorable moments this year.
Rarely will Eze have hit a better strike than the one that put Arsenal ahead in the tie for the first time. He continues to prove a massive asset for Arteta and played as the team's No 10 on Tuesday evening - getting the nod ahead of some quality individuals. That versatility has been key for the Gunners, who continue to ooze quality.
Flying the flag for England
All that talk of the Premier League dominating Europe has quickly dried and come the end of Tuesday two had gone with only one remaining. Arsenal marched on as Manchester City and Chelsea both saw their Champions League hopes ended for at least another 12 months.
There remains a genuine possibility that, of the six who qualified, only one makes it into the quarter-finals. Liverpool and Newcastle still very much have chances, Tottenham less so. Even Arsenal were given a stern test by Leverkusen, perhaps highlighting that league phase form shouldn't be the premise to start raving about the quality of your domestic scene.
No corners, no problem
The talk of Arsenal profiting from set pieces shows no sign of stopping, but those within the four walls of the Emirates don't seem at all bothered. They've become the kings of the dead ball situation - with Leverkusen joking on social media that they wanted to prevent them from having corners.
But the Gunners are much more than a team who rely solely on deliveries into the box as Eze and Rice proved. The duo getting on the scoresheet with impressive finishes, showcasing power and precisions.
Perfect prep
Arsenal were laser focussed as they kept alive their hopes of a first European Cup, and their win over Leverkusen ensures their momentum rolls into Sunday, where they could end a six-year wait for a trophy when they face Man City in the Carabao Cup final.
The first piece of silverware of the season will be claimed and Arteta's side can double down on their ambitions by seeing off City, who were knocked out by Real Madrid. Arsenal hold a huge advantage over Pep Guardiola's men in the Premier League and beating them on Sunday could be the final nail in their coffin - and the first part of an unprecedented quadruple.
Hjulmand's London demons
Kasper Hjulmand knows all too well what its like to digest a knockout defeat in the English capital. He led the Danish national side for years and masterminded their run to the last four of the delayed Euro 2020. It was the Danes who stood between England and the final.
They took the lead in that semi-final at Wembley five years ago, but were eventually undone by the hosts. The referee that night, who gave the decisive penalty for England, was again the man with the whistle, but this time at the Emirates. The two stadiums are only 11 miles apart and Hjulmand will be growing sick of London losses.