Mikel Arteta Praises Declan Rice for Initiative in Arsenal’s Win Against Real Madrid
In a thrilling Champions League quarter-final match, Arsenal secured a 3-0 lead against Real Madrid, with Declan Rice scoring two free-kicks in the first leg. The midfielder’s impressive performance has been attributed to his initiative, as he ignored the instructions of Arsenal’s set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, to shoot instead of crossing the ball.
According to The Guardian, Rice revealed that Jover had been telling him to cross the ball rather than shoot in the 58th minute of the match. However, Rice opted to shoot instead after being encouraged by Bukayo Saka. The decision proved to be a successful one, as Rice scored his first free-kick in 338 appearances. The Guardian reported that Rice’s second free-kick further solidified Arsenal’s lead.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, praised Rice for his initiative, stating, "They have to make the decision. We are here to help them, to paint the picture of what the options are, but I loved it. When we talk about taking the next step, it is a lot about that: taking the initiative, making things happen on the pitch and believing you can actually win the game by yourself sometimes. I was really impressed with the way he did it." As quoted by The Guardian, Arteta’s comments highlight the importance of individual moments in top-level football.
The Guardian reported that Arteta added, "It’s related to confidence as well and feeling and owning that moment, which is really important. So there’s no coincidence that all the top teams, you look at their games in the Champions League, the amount of individual moments that won the football matches … that’s a necessity." This sentiment is echoed by many top football managers, who emphasize the importance of confidence and individual brilliance in high-pressure matches.
As reported by The Guardian, Arsenal will take a 3-0 lead to the Bernabéu on Wednesday, with Arteta expected to rest several players against Brentford on Saturday. However, Rice and Saka have been passed fit after being substituted against Madrid. The team’s medical staff will be monitoring the fitness of several players, including Kai Havertz, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
According to The Guardian, Havertz had surgery after sustaining the injury in February during Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai and posted an update on X on Thursday with the message: "Step by step." The update featured a video of his rehabilitation, providing hope that he may return to the pitch before the end of the season. As quoted by The Guardian, Arteta said, "Let’s see. The mindset of those two is very, very similar. Great injury history, great work ethic, desperate to get back playing as quick as possible. And great medical staff as well to look after them. So hopefully we can have him, but let’s wait, I think. Once you get to the last stage of that rehab is when you can understand better how close or far you are to make that next step."
The Guardian also reported that Bukayo Saka has just returned from a similar injury that caused him to miss three months and the Champions League final on 31 May is a potential target for Havertz should Arsenal make it to Munich. As the team prepares for the next stage of the Champions League, Arteta will be hoping that his players can maintain their form and make a deep run in the competition.
In related news, The Guardian reported on Bukayo Saka’s welcome return to the Arsenal team, highlighting the thrilling new possibilities that his return opens up for the team. The article, titled "Bukayo Saka’s welcome return opens up thrilling new possibilities for Arsenal | David Hytner," provides in-depth analysis of Saka’s impact on the team and his potential role in Arsenal’s future success.
(Source: The Guardian)
