Eddie Nketiah had high praise for Declan Rice after the Arsenal star’s two-goal display against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Rice’s brace of free-kicks – the first two he has scored in his entire career – sent Arsenal on their way to a 3-0 victory over the holders at The Emirates, and on course for the Champions League semi-finals.
Thibaut Courtois was beaten twice in the same corner from dead-ball situations in the 58th and 70th minutes of their quarter-final first leg in North London, as Rice raised the roof with two sublime strikes.
Mikel Merino’s first-time finish five minutes later added insult to injury for Madrid, who saw Eduardo Camavinga sent off in injury time, and Mikel Arteta’s side have the advantage ahead of the second leg.
Eddie Nketiah delivers Rice verdict after Arsenal v Real Madrid
Arsenal selling Nketiah to Crystal Palace last summer appeared to be good business for club and player alike, bringing in a £25million fee and giving their academy product a chance at more regular game-time.
However, despite season’s spate of injuries and a failure to bring in an alternative striker costing Arteta’s side in the Premier League this season, Merino’s impact since moving up front has been sizeable.
| Arsenal | Statistic | Real Madrid |
| 3 | Goals | 0 |
| 1.64 | xG | 0.50 |
| 11 / 12 | Shots on Target | 3 / 9 |
| 53% | Possession | 47% |
| 5 | Corners | 3 |
The Spaniard’s strike against Real Madrid made clear that he’s a viable alternative to the departed Nketiah, but Arsenal’s number 14 has remained invested in his former clubs’ fortunes this season.
Sharing Rice’s own Instagram post on his story, Nketiah said; “jellof Rice” in reference to the England midfielder, as well as a goat emoji so signify the well-trodden acronym for ‘greatest of all time’.
Arsenal still on the hunt for Eddie Nketiah replacement
Although a 3-0 win over Real Madrid would signify that Arsenal having problems in attack are a thing of the past, signing an out-and-out striker will still be top of Arteta’s wishlist in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal and Manchester United are set to go toe-to-toe for Viktor Gyokeres’ signature, with the Sweden international scoring for fun and Sproting CP and likely to make a move back to England this summer.
Ex-Everton CEO Keith Wyness also told Football Insider that Arsenal are “very interested” in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, but for the time being, their Champions League campaign will continue with Merino deputising up front.
The post Eddie Nketiah sends message to Declan Rice after jaw-dropping Arsenal display appeared first on Football Insider.
Football Insider
