Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen live updates: Champions League line-ups as White and Trossard start

Despite his best efforts in the first leg against Bayer Leverkusen, winger Bukayo Saka had a disappointing night and was replaced by Noni Madueke on the hour mark.

Space was still at a premium out wide, initially leaving Madueke frustrated as he was crowded out… but all it took was one opportunity for Madueke to find space.

His direct running won the penalty for Arsenal in the 86th minute, and it came from asking different questions of Leverkusen’s defence.

As he received the pass, Leverkusen had their defensive triangle ready to overload the wide area once again — but rather than turn back, Madueke elected to go on the outside with his run.

A burst of pace created the separation, before Madueke scythed through the defending Malik Tillman and Grimaldo, who had doubled up on him.

Whatever your view may be on the foul, the opening came from Madueke’s bravery to commit opponents.

The lack of penetration in wide areas was the source of their troubles for 85 minutes, but it was precisely through the wide channels that their equaliser was generated.

They will need to improve in attack if they are to progress through to the quarter-finals, but that single sequence from Madueke — who is on the bench with Saka in the starting XI — might be the blueprint to unlock the Leverkusen defence today.