Online Reporter
DECLAN RICE was not having any of the negativity surrounding Arsenal’s performance after they reached the Champions League semi-finals.
The Gunners held on to their 1-0 lead from the first leg to see out their tie against Sporting CP on Wednesday. And though the individual performance was far from inspiring, Rice shot down the idea that the players were disappointed by the goalless draw at the Emirates.
When asked after the match if the contest proved frustrating, the midfielder said: “Frustrating? Nah, we just got to a semi-final.
“Positivity all the way, who cares what people think, all that matters is what this group thinks, what this manager thinks.
“We’re in another semi-final, I’m delighted.”
It is the second season in a row that Mikel Arteta‘s men have reached the semi-final stage of the competition. They made their exit last year after meeting PSG in the semis, falling to narrow defeats home and away. But the team are evidently confident of avoiding the same fate this time around as they face down Diego Simeone‘s Atletico Madrid.
He added: “We’ll keep going, keep playing well, keep getting it over the line.
“Bring it on. Bring on everything.”
Rice and Co claim that they have been unaffected by talk surrounding their performances in recent weeks, from European competition to their home soil. The North Londoners suffered a Carabao Cup final defeat to title rivals Manchester City last month, before going on to be kicked out of the FA Cup by Southampton and handed a title blow in a loss to Bournemouth last weekend.
But as ideas of a quadruple evaporated, Rice maintained that talk of a potential title crumble was inevitable at such a large club.
He said when asked about outside pressure on the title race: “This is Arsenal football club, there’s noise with every game. If you don’t play well, if you don’t play good, take it with a pinch of salt and keep moving. Bring on the last few weeks. It’s a rollercoaster. Nobody’s going to hand you anything in this game.
“Let’s keep going and what will be will be. Let’s keep going strong.” Following the Gunners’ slip against Bournemouth, their showdown with City has become all the more important, with a loss there potentially allowing Pep Guardiola‘s men to draw level on points, should they win their game in hand.
When asked if the fixture was a must-win, Rice replied: “Of course, you have to win every game.
“We want to win every game in the Premier League. Our record this year has been amazing in all competitions. It’s why we play the game.
“[It’s about] how much you want it, so I know I’ll be ready, I know the boys will be ready, so let’s go.”
One player who might not be ready is Noni Madueke, who was forced off the pitch against Sporting with an apparent knee injury.
The extent of the knock is unknown, but a lengthy spell on the sidelines could leave Arteta’s attack woefully thin. — Sun
Mathew Masinge