Arteta praises Eze's brilliance after Arsenal hero downs Leverkusen

Mikel Arteta commended Eberechi Eze for his stunning display as the Arsenal players powerful long range effort led to a two nil triumph over Bayer Leverkusen during the Champions League round of sixteen return fixture on Tuesday.

Artetas team dominated Leverkusen from the opening whistle at the Emirates Stadium and Eze converted their superiority with a fierce shot from just outside the penalty area towards the end of the opening period.

Declan Rices composed effort following the break confirmed Arsenals three one overall success paving the way for a last eight encounter against Sporting Lisbon.

Ezes inaugural Champions League strike marked his resurgence after a tough beginning to his debut campaign with Arsenal post his transfer from Crystal Palace last summer.

Arteta has relied on Eze more frequently of late amid Martin Odegaards unavailability and the England international has grasped his chance.

We kicked off the match strongly and posed danger from all directions. Their goalkeeper preserved parity until Ebs delivered that special spark to put us ahead Arteta remarked.

Ebs features in matches every few days gaining momentum forging connections with teammates which explains his presence here.

He is developing bonds with everyone and contributing decisively in matches boosts his assurance.

Rice also shone brightly for Arsenal in their comprehensive superiority over Leverkusen.

The England player who netted his debut Champions League goal this term earned Artetas acclaim for elevating the squad.

The intensity stands out

In the latter half Declans intervention created the chance to seal the result he noted.

This is the Champions League. With just four or five opportunities if you fail to score it becomes aggravating.

Declans superb finish wrapped things up. We aim to generate more such openings for our talent since many are capable.

Declan excelled alongside the entire squad the way they contest every challenge and display fervour is outstanding.

Arsenal have triumphed in nine and tied one of their ten Champions League outings this season.

They appear likely to overcome Sporting in the quarter finals having thrashed the Portuguese outfit five one in the group phase last year.

Dismissing Leverkusen served as perfect groundwork for Arsenals pursuit of their first trophy in six years versus Manchester City in the League Cup decider at Wembley this Sunday.

Arsenal chasing a quadruple with their previous honour the 2020 FA Cup lead the Premier League by nine points over runners up City in their quest for a first domestic crown in 22 years.

They also face Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup last eight later this April.

This promises an exceptional season for Arsenal who hold no Champions League title having fallen in their sole final versus Barcelona in 2006.

We created four or five clear chances for a third goal but in general we earned our win and progression to the quarter finals Arteta commented having substituted key personnel late to preserve their energy.

It helped to make changes and introduce those players but some required rest due to heavy schedules he explained.

That prompted their withdrawal unrelated to the upcoming Sunday match.