Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised Eberechi Eze’s stunning goal that helped secure a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen and a Champions League quarter-final spot

MIKEL Arteta hailed Eberechi Eze’s “magical moment” as Arsenal powered into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

The Gunners dominated from the start at the Emirates Stadium and were rewarded when Eze unleashed a blistering strike from the edge of the area late in the first half.

Declan Rice added a clinical second-half finish to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory, setting up a last-eight tie with Sporting Lisbon.

Arteta said his team needed a special intervention after Leverkusen’s goalkeeper made several saves.

“We started the game so well and we were a threat from every angle. Their keeper kept them in the game and we needed a magical moment from Ebs to give us the lead,” Arteta said.

The goal was Eze’s first in the Champions League, capping a recent resurgence after a slow start to his Arsenal career following his summer move from Crystal Palace.

Arteta highlighted the midfielder’s growing influence, especially with Martin Odegaard absent.

“Ebs is playing every three days, he has rhythm, has an understanding with the players and this is why he is here,” the manager added.

Rice was also instrumental, scoring his first Champions League goal of the season to kill off the tie.

Arteta praised the England international’s composure and the team’s overall passion.

“In the second half Declan’s action gave us the opportunity to win the game,” Arteta said.

“Declan was immense, him and the whole team – the manner they go into every ball and the passion they show is remarkable.”

The victory extends Arsenal’s impressive European form this season to nine wins and one draw from 10 matches.

They now face Sporting Lisbon, whom they beat 5-1 in last season’s group stage.

This win also serves as ideal preparation for Sunday’s League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Arsenal, chasing a first trophy in six years, lead the Premier League by nine points and remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple.

They also have an FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton scheduled for April.

Arteta was able to rotate his squad in the second half, a move he said was purely tactical.

“It was good to rotate and get those players in but I had certain players that needed to come off because of the amount of time they are playing,” he explained.

“That’s why they came off, nothing to do with Sunday.”

 The Sun Malaysia