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Live updates as Arsenal look to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on goalscorer Eze: “He’s playing every three days now. He has the rhythm and understanding with his team-mates as well, what we want and especially his level of activity with the ball, without the ball, in the spaces that he moves and the purpose that he’s showing every time he’s in and around the box as well.
“It’s the reason why he’s here, to create those kind of moments.
“I think he’s building a better chemistry and understanding with all of them. We start to understand him, as well, much better and when you start to make a good game, a good action, that can win you the game, it lifts your confidence as well and that’s what every played needs.
“Comparing the minutes that he’s ever played in his career, it’s much higher now than any other season. That tells you the consistency he’s showing. He’s always fit.
“Today, he had to come off because he’s had a lot of minutes but he’s handling the pressure, the situation, and the expectation really well.”
On how he needed to show improvement in his pressing: “Without a doubt or you have no chance to play in this team.
“But everybody does it and that’s the magic of it and the reason why we are so consistent in winning matches and preventing the opponent scoring. He can do it. If he could not do it, I would never demand it. He can do it and he’s willing to do it and he’s doing it better and better every day.”
Declan Rice: “Third year in a row in the quarter finals. A really tough game over two legs.
“They caused us a lot of problems even though it may not look like it. A really good tactical team.
“But in the end we deserved the win tonight. We could have scored three or four but to win 2-0 is solid and to get through, we’re very happy.”
Ebere Eze speaking to TNT Sports: “I don’t know if I could have dreamed of scoring a goal like that to be honest.
“It was a special goal. I’ve waited a long time and hopefully it’s the first of many in the Champions League.”
Full time at the Emirates and Arsenal progress to the Champions League Quarter-Finals after goals from Ebere Eze and Declan Rice.
Four minutes added on here at the Emirates.
Viktor Gyokeres is replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
What a save from David Raya!
The ball is crossed into the path of Christian Kofane, who connects with it so sweetly, but Raya is on hand to finger tip it over the bar.
Robert Andrich is replaced by Equi Fernandez.
Jarell Quansah heads wide from Culbreath’s cross.
Arsenal have four in attack as Gyokeres plays in Saka, whose cross goes into the arms of Blaswich.
David Raya comes out to punch a Leverkusen corner, misses it, and the ball launches off William Saliba and over the crossbar.
Ebere Eze is replaced by Kai Havertz for Arsenal.
Exequiel Palacios is replaced by Patrik Schick for Leverkusen.
Martin Zubimendi, Ben White and Leandro Trossard are replaced by Gabriel Martinelli, Christian Norgaard and Christhian Mosquera.
That should be that for Arsenal!
Declan Rice intercepts Alejandro Garnacho’s clearance, drives towards goal before smashing the ball into the bottom right corner.
The Quarter-Finals beckon for the Gunners.
Almost a second goal for Arsenal, but Jarell Quansah clears Viktor Gyokeres’ cross from reaching Piero Hincapie.
Gyokeres then goes alone but his effort deflects wide.
Malik Tillman and Montrell Culbreath replace Ernest Poku and Martin Terrier.
Two occasions in quick succession that Arsenal have lost the ball from playing too many passes around the Leverkusen box without attempting a shot.
Robert Andrich then tries his luck from range for the visitors but his effort flies wide.
Viktor Gyokeres lets fly from range but Blaswich claims his effort.
Trossard goes for goal with a long range curling effort but it bends wide.
William Saliba slips and allows Christian Kofane the chance to run towards the Arsenal goal, but his lay off is intercepted by Martin Zubimendi.
Exequiel Palacios is shown a yellow card for a foul on Ebere Eze.
We’re back underway at the Emirates!
Half time at the Emirates and Arsenal lead courtesy of Ebere Eze’s wonder strike.
Arsenal have a free kick in a dangerous area on the edge of the Leverkusen box.
It leads to nothing.
What a goal from Ebere Eze to give Arsenal the lead in the tie!
He takes the ball on the half turn before unleashing an unstoppable half volley into the top left corner.
An absolute rocket from Arsenal’s number ten.
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