The Albany Gazette - Arteta lauds goalscorer Havertz on Leverkusen return

Substitute Havertz stepped up to score in the 89th minute, snatching the visitors a 1-1 first-leg draw ahead of next week's return match at the Emirates.

The Germany forward spent a decade at Leverkusen but moved to Premier League side Chelsea in 2020, where he won the Champions League, before signing with Arsenal in 2023.

"Football writes crazy stories," Arteta told reporters.

"It's of course extraordinary that Kai returns here after so many years and converted the penalty. It's a great story."

Havertz, who came off the bench to warm applause in the 74th minute, tucked the penalty past Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich.

The German has missed much of the season with a knee injury but said the pressure of the situation did not get to him despite a "pretty long" wait as the decision was checked by VAR.

"Penalties in the last minutes are not always easy. The time between the whistle and taking the penalty felt like eternity. But in these moments you need to be present," Havertz told reporters.

"These are the moments I've worked for for years, to be there in moments like that.

"I know the stadium and I've already converted many penalties from this spot.

"Of course I'm sorry for Leverkusen, but that's football."

Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich plays in the German national team alongside Havertz, who is the country's designated penalty taker.

Andrich said he knew before it went in Havertz would convert.

"Yes, I knew. Kai is pretty good from the spot," Andrich said.

(A.Johnson--TAG)