"Pressure": Shkodran Mustafi makes Arsenal claim ahead of Bayer Leverkusen game

Former Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi has spoken about the Gunners ahead of the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.

Mikel Arteta’s side had a brilliant league phase in the competition, finishing top of the table with 24 points. As a result, they have been handed a favourable draw for the knockout phase.

The Gunners take on Leverkusen in a double-legged last 16 tie. If they were to progress, the London giants will face either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting CP in the quarter-final stage.

Ahead of the first leg at the BayArena, Mustafi has said that Arsenal are ‘very dominant’ with and without the ball and will apply ‘pressure’ from the start against Leverkusen.

He told BILD: “Arsenal plays very dominantly with and without the ball and will apply pressure from the start. They are the favourites, but they are facing a tough opponent.”

Mustafi also commented on compatriot Kai Havertz and believes the Arsenal attacker could play a key role against his former club with his strong aerial presence upfront.

He added: “Coach Arteta thinks very highly of him. Havertz is fast and strong in the air. He’s bulked up physically during his injury layoff, which benefits his game.”

Mustafi further said that Leverkusen should avoid conceding corners and fouls near the box, given the Gunners’ reputation for scoring from set-pieces in recent years.

When asked about Arsenal’s strength from set-piece situations, the former World Cup winner highlighted: “You should avoid corners or fouls near the penalty area.”

Arsenal and Leverkusen have not met in a competitive fixture since the 2001/02 Champions League season. The Gunners shared the spoils at the BayArena back then (1-1).

Their most recent meeting was a friendly in 2024 that Arsenal won 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Hence, both teams are relatively unfamiliar with each other. Leverkusen may be sixth in the Bundesliga, but are a tricky opposition to tackle in front of their supporters.

The German outfit have won seven of their 12 league games at the BayArena this term (three losses). They have scored more than two goals per match on their home turf.

The Gunners have obviously played a more attacking brand of football in Europe this season, and we could anticipate more of the same against Leverkusen tomorrow.

Still, set-pieces could be a determining factor in the contest. Leverkusen left wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo recently scored with a brilliant free-kick during the 3-3 league draw at Freiburg.

However, Kasper Hjulmand’s side have likewise shown vulnerability defending around the six-yard box, which Arteta will no doubt seek to exploit during the first leg away from home.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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