Mikel Arteta slams Arsenal players for failing to follow instructions

Mikel Arteta launched a scathing critique of his Arsenal players following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, accusing them of a “lack of urgency” that allowed the hosts to score from a set-piece.

‘We Weren’t Ready’: Arteta Fumes at Players After Costly Set-Piece Error

The Gunners fell behind shortly after half-time when Robert Andrich converted from a corner. The goal stung Arteta particularly hard, as his team usually dominates dead-ball situations.

The Spaniard did not hold back in his post-match assessment, insisting the lapse was inexcusable because the coaching staff had specifically prepared the squad for it.

“There are always two sides to that,” Arteta fumed.

“One is the element of the opponent that they picked that weakness, and that lack of attention or urgency in both situations.

The other one is us, because we knew. We showed them three clips from last weekend in three different ways, and we weren’t ready for it, and we got caught.”

Despite struggling to break down the Leverkusen defense for much of the second half, Arsenal snatched a lifeline late on.

Substitute Noni Madueke won a penalty, and Kai Havertz stepped up to confidently convert against his former club.

Arteta praised the forward’s composure on a special night, acknowledging the narrative of his return.

However, the manager also had to defend his decision to substitute Bukayo Saka while chasing the game.

He explained that the tactical tweak was necessary to provide a different threat, and it paid off when Madueke earned the crucial spot-kick.

“I thought that we needed something else,” Arteta explained.

“Noni has been contributing and being a real threat, and I decided to make the change.

No surprise at all because that’s his biggest quality. He’s very brave, and to have a player with that ability step in the manner that he did is big credit to him.”

The late penalty from Havertz ensures the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium.

While the result offers a lifeline, Arteta made it clear that the performance level, specifically the defensive concentration, must improve drastically if they hope to advance.