Dowman’s late heroics lifted the mood around Arsenal
Arsenal head into the second leg against Bayer Leverkusen with confidence and energy after the dramatic win over Everton, and Riccardo Calafiori believes that moment could give the team an extra push in Europe. The defender admitted the celebrations after Max Dowman’s late goal were among the most memorable scenes of the season, with players and fans sharing the emotion of a goal that instantly became special.
Calafiori was one of the first to join the celebrations after Dowman’s strike, which sealed victory and sent the Emirates into a frenzy. He described the reaction as pure joy, with the whole squad running toward the young forward and the supporters. In his view, moments like that can create momentum and help drive a team toward something bigger.
The Italian had already made an important contribution during the match with a brilliant last ditch block to deny Dwight McNeil. That intervention kept Arsenal on course for a win that opened a nine point gap over Manchester City, and Calafiori feels such details can shape a season in a significant way.
Arteta wants Arsenal to use that energy in Europe
Mikel Arteta was visibly emotional after Dowman’s goal and is now hoping his side can bring the same positivity into their Champions League meeting with Leverkusen. The Arsenal manager wants the atmosphere from the weekend to carry into Tuesday night, with the club aiming to reach the quarter finals for the third season in a row.
Arteta made it clear that momentum is valuable only if the team keeps building on it. He expects the crowd at the Emirates to play its part again and wants that energy to help Arsenal produce the level needed to finish the job. The manager also stressed that everyone understands what is at stake and that the team must show that hunger from the first whistle.
Leverkusen, however, will arrive believing they still have a chance. They drew with Bayern Munich at the weekend and also impressed in the previous round away from home. In the first leg they showed enough attacking quality to trouble Arsenal both from open play and from set pieces.
Calafiori says mentality and small moments can decide everything
Although Arsenal have only conceded five goals in nine Champions League matches this season, they were not entirely comfortable in the first meeting in Germany. Gabriel Magalhães had difficult moments against the young striker Christian Kofane, and Leverkusen managed to create problems after the break.
Calafiori knows Arsenal must be sharper in the return match, whether he starts or has to wait on the bench. He believes the key will be the mentality shown against Everton, especially the willingness to fight for every ball and protect the result with complete commitment.
According to him, matches at this stage are often decided by very small details, and that is why defensive sacrifice can be just as important as attacking quality. Arsenal have been strong at home in the Champions League under Arteta, and with supporters still lifted by the weekend drama, they will feel they have a real chance to take another step forward.
