Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners level late in first leg

Arsenal equalised late on to snatch a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Mikel Arteta reverted to full strength for this test, bringing the likes of Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice back into the starting XI. William Saliba was another notable name to return as he made his comeback from injury while Piero Hincapié was picked to start against his parent club.

The Gunners started the game well and their best chance came just before the 20 minute mark. David Raya started a quick counterattack that resulted in Gyökeres laying the ball off for Gabriel Martinelli, who saw his effort crash against the crossbar.

Both sides pushed for the opener with Arsenal's sloppiness in possession allowing Leverkusen their chances while they remained the dominant side. However, neither could find it before the break, meaning the first-half ended goalless.

Leverkusen started the second-half brilliantly with Martin Terrier being denied the opener when Raya made a leaping save to keep out his headed effort. However, the hosts took the lead from the resulting corner when skipper Robert Andrich met the delivery at the back post to beat Raya.

Arsenal were frustrated as they tried to break down the resilient backline of the hosts, but did see a good chance come their way late on when Martinelli sent a cross in for Jurrien Timber to meet at close range, only for him to head over.

Substitute Noni Madueke had been a real thorn in Leverkusen's side since coming on and his brilliance paid off when he darted into the box before being brought down to win a penalty with minutes of regular time left to play. Kai Havertz stepped up to take the spot kick and beat Janis Blaswich to level matters against his former side.

That proved to be crucial as the game ended 1-1, meaning it is all to play for in the second leg next week at the Emirates. It's only half-time in the tie.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their draw at Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6.5/10 - Made a great save to keep out a header from Terrier, but conceded from the resulting corner.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 7/10 - Unable to get up the pitch much in the first-half, but managed to after the break. Made some good darts into the box. Headed over from close range late on.

William Saliba (CB) - 6.5/10 - Steady at the back and will be disappointed to have conceded at such a crucial point. Good for him to be back in the side.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 6.5/10 - Relatively comfortable like his defensive partner and will feel like his side could've kept a clean sheet.

Piero Hincapié (LB) - 6.5/10 - Caused a few problems against his parent club, but wasn't his greatest performance in an Arsenal shirt. Not terrible from the Ecuadorian though.

Midfielders

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 6.5/10 - Will be frustrated to have picked up a yellow card when he looked to have been the one fouled. Decent at the base.

Declan Rice (CM) - 6.5/10 - Looked slightly off the pace today with his set piece deliveries not causing the usual problems until a final cross right at the death. A slightly frustrating performance after a week of rest.

Eberechi Eze (AM) - 6.5/10 - Did well to fake a pass in the build-up to Martinelli's chance. Played some nice passes, but struggled to be involved too much once again. Withdrawn late on.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - 6.5/10 - Involved in a great chance for his side to break the deadlock in the first-half. Struggled against the resilient backline after and was brought off on the hour.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - 6.5/10 - Caused problems in the early stages, winning fouls off Andrich. His involvement faded as the game went on, eventually being taken off in the closing stages.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - 7/10 - Struck the crossbar with an effort from a difficult angle in the first-half. Picked up a yellow card shortly after. Did brilliantly to track back and cut out a pass that could have set up a second for the hosts.

Substitutes

• Noni Madueke (on 60' for Saka) - 7.5/10
• Kai Havertz (on 75' for Gyökeres) - 7/10
• Gabriel Jesus (on 82' for Eze) - N/A

Player of the match: Noni Madueke