AS COOL AS RICE

Arsenal are on the verge of qualifying for the semi-final of the Champion League after emphatically defeating cup holders, the mighty Real Madrid. As far as the premier league title challenge is concerned, it is fair to assume that the title will be headed to Liverpool given the points deficit the Gunners would to claw back. However, all is not lost. If Arteta’s men can hang on for dear life at the Bernabeu, Arsenal’s fans and supporters alike will have plenty to celebrate.

Nobody would have expected such a performance from the home side. The team played with confidence and did not give Real Madrid any respect whatsoever. Bukayo Saka was included in the starting eleven as expected and was always going to provide problems on the right side of midfield. His inclusion gave Arsenal that extra boost going into the game.

Madrid, being the overwhelming favourites created some chances earlier but nothing significant enough to trouble a solid Arsenal defence (playing without Gabriel). To much surprise, it was the home team who had the better start, creating chances and always looked like scoring. Madrid owe a debt of gratitude to their goal keeper Thibaut Courtois, the Belgium international pulled off some wonder saves at times and you sensed it would take something special to beat him.

That moment came in the second half when Declan Rice broke the deadlock with a sensational freekick in the 58^th minute. Rice added to his tally with another scorcher of a freekick, straight into the top corner (no keeper in the world could have saved it) in the 70^th minute of play sending the Arsenal faithful into a frenzy. Merino added a 3^rd for Arsenal in the 75^th minute who now head into the 2^nd leg with a 3-goal advantage.

Madrid, with all the big names on show didn’t offer much going forward. However, the likes of Mbappé, Vini Jnr and Bellingham will need to be at their absolute best if they are to turn this tie around in their favour. If there’s one thing history has taught us, that is never rule out Real Madrid (especially in the Champions League). The return leg promises to be action packed and if Arsenal and Man of the match, Rice can perform to the same fearless standards, then Arsenal have a very real chance of progressing.

Simply irresistible Rice!!!!!