Mikel Arteta saluted Eberechi Eze's moment of magic as the Arsenal star's thunderbolt inspired a 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday. Arteta's side pounded Leverkusen right from the start at the Emirates Stadium and Eze ensured their dominance was rewarded with a blistering strike from the edge of the area late in the first half. Declan Rice's clinical finish after the interval sealed Arsenal's 3-1 aggregate victory, setting up a quarter-final clash with Sporting Lisbon. Eze's first Champions League goal extended his recent revival after a disappointing start to his first season with the Gunners following his summer move from Crystal Palace. Arteta has selected Eze more often recently in the absence of Martin Odegaard and the England midfielder has seized his opportunity. 

"We started the game so well and we were a threat from every angle. Their keeper kept them in the game and we needed a magical moment from Ebs to give us the lead," Arteta said. "Ebs is playing every three days, he has rhythm, has an understanding with the players and this is why he is here. "He is building an understanding with all of them and when you start to make key moments in games that lifts your confidence." Rice was also influential for Arsenal as they completely out-classed Leverkusen. The England midfielder, who bagged his first Champions League goal this season, drew praise from Arteta for pushing Arsenal to new heights.