Eberechi Eze scores jaw-dropping goal as Arsenal team-mates' reactions speak volumes

• Arsenal
• Arsenal News
• Ebere Eze

Arsenal took the lead against Bayer Leverkusen thanks to a stunning goal from Eberechi Eze as the midfielder put his side ahead in the second-leg and handed them a Champions League advantage

Eberechi Eze may have offered a stoic response to his Champions League screamer, but his Arsenal team-mates did not quite react so coolly. The midfielder put the Gunners ahead in the last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen with an emphatic strike that saw some awe-struck reactions.

Eze unleashed a venomous effort on a bouncing ball outside the box to beat Janis Blaswich, who had been in inspired form at the Emirates. There was barely a moment to react for the shotstopper, such was the pace of the ball.

William Saliba and Ben White quickly had their head in their hands in disbelief, while Declan Rice, no stranger to a Champions League pearler himself, could only laugh at the effort. Mikel Arteta's celebrations were enthusiastic to say the least.

The goal marked the 27-year-old's first time finding the net in the Champions League.

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson barely had enough superlatives to offer Eze's goal. "What a way to score your first Champions League goal," he said.

"That is sensational. What a hit. With his right foot, it's out of nothing, it's a ball bouncing about, loose in the air.

"Eze's first touch with his left, swivels and as it sat up on his right, he just powers it in. Middle of the goal but right near that post. The goalkeeper had no chance, it went past him in a flash."