Bayer Leverkusen’s European campaign came to an end on Tuesday with a 2-0 loss to Arsenal, but manager Kasper Hjulmand left London impressed by the opposition.
Speaking after the Round of 16 second-leg clash, Hjulmand named Arsenal and Bayern Munich as the primary favorites to win the competition this season.
With Arsenal now set to face Sporting CP in the quarter-finals and Bayern holding a commanding 6-1 aggregate lead over Atalanta, Hjulmand sees a “head-to-head” battle for the title.
He cited Arsenal’s dominant Premier League metrics specifically their goal-scoring record and defensive solidity as proof of their elite status.