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Tag: Declan Rice

  • Declan Rice freekicks were “extremely easy” – Sneijder

    Declan Rice freekicks were “extremely easy” – Sneijder

    Former Real Madrid and Inter Milan maestro Wesley Sneijder has played down Declan Rice’s freekick goals for Arsenal in their win over Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

    Rice’s two free kicks in 12 minutes put Arsenal on their way to securing a resounding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium. Both goals stunned goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Gunners fans who believed the game would be much tougher than it was on the night.

    However, despite mass praise for Rice who was the hero on the night, Sneijder has played down his efforts and stated that they were easier than they looked.

    “I don’t think the free kick(s) were that impressive,’ Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder revealed on Dutch TV channel Ziggo Sport.

    “This may sound strange, but it’s extremely easy to curve a ball like that as long as you know how to take a shot, and I know all about this. The wall was at fault here.

    “The same for the 2nd free kick, you saw Courtois moving to his right just before Rice took it, a mistake by the goalkeeper.”

    Rice is the fifth player to score two direct free-kick goals in a Champions League match, after Rivaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr and Hakim Ziyech. His goals sent a statement to Madrid that Arsenal will not lay down and be knocked out the competition.

    The England international was still in shock after the game as he spoke after what was an incredible night in North London.

    “I can’t describe it, I don’t think it’s going to hit me what I’ve done tonight,”  he told CBS Sports Golazo. “Two free-kicks in a quarter-final against Real Madrid at home, it’s so special. I’m so happy, probably the best moment in my career for sure.

    “In these big games I always try to step up, and I thought: ‘Go out there and have no fear – what’ve you got to lose? It’s a game of football against Real Madrid, if you have fear good things aren’t going to happen!”

    “I went out there and I was fearless and I was ready like you said, to prove a point, and we did that.”

  • Bayern Munich showdown is perfect game for Arsenal to hit back – Rice

    Bayern Munich showdown is perfect game for Arsenal to hit back – Rice

    Declan Rice believes a Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich is the “perfect” game for Arsenal to overcome defeat to Aston Villa.

    The Gunners were deservedly beaten 2-0 by Unai Emery’s men at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins scored the goals to boost Villa’s top-four hopes.

    Arsenal would have returned to the Premier League summit with a win but now sit second, two points behind reigning champions Manchester City.

    There is no time for Mikel Arteta’s players to lick their wounds, however, as they travel to Germany for the second leg of their finely-poised Champions League quarter-final against Bayern.

    A 2-2 draw in north London last week leaves the tie on a knife-edge and Rice feels such a big game is just what Arsenal need after a rare slip-up.

    “It’s the perfect game for a reaction,” he said.

    “We need a reaction on Wednesday night and it is a great chance to show our character and leadership. It’s time to go out there and hopefully get into the semi-finals of the Champions League.

    “We have to park this to the side now. It’s gone, it’s a game of football. We’ve lost but we need to bounce back, that’s for sure.

    “Going to the Allianz Arena, it’s going to be a special night. It’s time to pull our socks up and show everyone why we’re in this position.”

    This was former Arsenal boss Emery’s first trip back to the Emirates Stadium as Villa manager and the Spaniard severely dented the title charge of his old club.

  • London Football Awards: Rice, James, Postecoglou win big

    London Football Awards: Rice, James, Postecoglou win big

    Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice has emerged the player of the Year at the London Football Awards on Thursday evening.

    Rice gave an emotional speech shortly after being announced as the winner of his category yesterday at The Roundhouse in Camden.

    The England international said: “Since I have walked through the doors [at Arsenal] I have loved every single moment of it.

    “As time has gone on and the games have gone on I have tried to be confident and do the best I can for the team.

    “So far we have been going really well and hopefully we can have a good end to the season.”

    Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was named Young Player of the Year.

    Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou won the Manager of the Year award ahead of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, while Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario was named Goalkeeper of the Year.

    Chelsea stars Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones were crowned WSL Player of the Year and Women’s Young Player of the Year, respectively.

  • Arteta predicts more goals from Declan Rice

    Arteta predicts more goals from Declan Rice

    Declan Rice’s stoppage time goal in Arsenal’s last-gasp 3-1 defeat of Manchester United on Saturday was only his 11th in 208 Premier League games.

    But manager Mikel Arteta believes the club’s record signing can start hitting the net regularly.

    The former West Ham player is happiest as a deep-lying central midfielder.

    But with the quality of Arsenal’s squad, Arteta expects the 105 million pounds (132.17 million dollars) player to add goals to his already impressive attributes.

    “When you see the technical ability that he has and how he executed in these moments.

    “His range when shooting from accuracy and the power he generates with no space, with both feet.

    “He’s got the timing as well to arrive in the box. The position will dictate that a lot because it’s about how you arrive. But he’s got the ability to do that for sure,” Arteta told reporters.

    England midfielder Rice’s goal arrived in the sixth minute of stoppage time and gave Arsenal a 2-1 lead before Gabriel Jesus broke free to seal the points a couple of minutes later.

    His deflected effort sparked delirium on the Arsenal bench and in the stands and felt like the moment that he really announced himself as an Arsenal player.

    “Big matches for big players and Rice was tremendous.

    “He dominated in the middle of the park, he understood what was needed and gave the team motivation and then produced the moment of magic to win the game.

    “To produce the same level of quality there when the pressure is on in that moment is just unique.

    “You need to have that quality, that sense and that composure. He showed it today and he’s there,” Arteta said.

    Arteta also said Rice’s impact went beyond the pitch.

    “He’s a great kid.

    “I think he’s got a good mixture between being extremely demanding with everybody and himself, having a bit of banter and being around the staff and the boys in a really humble way.

    “So I think he’s fitting in brilliantly,” he said.

    Arsenal were held at home by Fulham the previous week with champions Manchester City already showing that they will be offering up few gifts to their rivals this season.

    It was no wonder the celebrations were wild at the final whistle.

    Although Arteta said he was not getting too wrapped up on waiting in hope for Manchester City to drop points.

    “There are still 34 games to go! If you deserve it after 38 games you will be where you deserve.

    “We can only focus on that because it’s very early,” he said.

  • I believe Arsenal can win the title, says Wenger

    I believe Arsenal can win the title, says Wenger

    Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger believes the North London will win the Premier League title this new season.

    Wenger says Declan Rice’s arrival will transform the Gunners.

    He told Eurosport: “I believe we will win the championship, it is as simple as that.

    “(Rice?) I think it’s a good investment. I think they have made good buys as they are players now mature but still young so they can stay together for a few years.

    “They will be under more pressure after last year but they have learned a lot and they can show they can deal with that pressure now.

    “I had to cope with no money at all so you have to find a different way.

    “Arsenal is now in a good financial situation and bought what they think will win the championship.”

  • Nigerian Rapper, Odumodublvck in joyous mood as Arsenal use his song to announce Declan Rice’s signing

    Nigerian Rapper, Odumodublvck in joyous mood as Arsenal use his song to announce Declan Rice’s signing

    Nigerian rapper, Odumodublvck’s joy knows no bound after getting to know that Arsenal played one of his hit tracks to announce their new signing, Declan Rice.

    The Gunners signed the England international from West Ham for a club-record fee of £105m.

    Announcing his arrival via Twitter, Arsenal shared a video of the 24-year-old displaying his football skills with Odumodublvck’s song ‘Declan Rice’ playing in the background with the caption; “A new chapter begins.”

    Odumodublvck shared the tweet, expressing pride.

    He wrote, “Massive. Abj stand up. Declan Rice.”

    In another tweet, the Abuja-based rapper thanked Arsenal fans who consistently asked the club to use the song in Declan Rice’s announcement video.

    “Thank you to everyone who pushed the club to use the tune.

    “You might think you did not have any impact on this, but I really do feel that you guys did.

    “The pressure was werser by the day.

    “God bless you all.

    “I am so grateful,” Odumodu said.

  • Transfer: Declan Rice completes Arsenal move

    Transfer: Declan Rice completes Arsenal move

    English Premier League side, Arsenal have completed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham for a record fee of £105m.

    Rice has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal that will run till 2028 with an extension of 1 year.

    The Midfielder has also been handed his preferred number 41 shirt at the Emirates.

    The deal eclipses the £72m Arsenal paid for Nicolas Pepe from Lille in 2019, while it is also a record transfer fee between two British clubs.

    Rice’s signing is just short of the British record transfer fee with Chelsea paying £106.8m for midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January.

    The 24-year-old will join fellow new signings Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz for Arsenal’s preseason tour of the US next week.

  • EPL: Arsenal increase Declan Rice’s bid to £105m in new British record

    EPL: Arsenal increase Declan Rice’s bid to £105m in new British record

    Arsenal Football Club have tabled an increased bid for West Ham’s Declan Rice on Tuesday night.

    The Gunners initial bid was turned down by the Hammers,

    According to The Athletic, the Gunner’s latest proposal is worth £100m upfront and £5m in add-ons.

    If the Hammers accept this offer, it will be the new British record fee for a player.

    Arsenal’s second bid was £75m upfront and £15m in add-ons.

    It was rejected by West Ham, who also rejected a £80m upfront and £10m in add-ons.

    Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, is desperate to beef up his midfield ahead of the new season, with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey expected to leave the Emirates this summer.

  • EPL: Arsenal table £100million for Declan Rice

    EPL: Arsenal table £100million for Declan Rice

    In their bid to ward off interest from rival club sides, Arsenal  Football Club are set to submit a £100million offer for West Ham captain Declan Rice.

    Recall that Manchester City have also indicated interest in Rice who was exceptional all through last season for West Ham FC.

    The Daily Mail reports that the Hammers are expecting a new bid after a recent offer worth £90m from the Gunners was rejected.

    City’s interest in the England midfielder is said to have sharpened the focus at the Emirates, as Mikel Arteta has earmarked the England international as his top target.

    Rice is believed to prefer a move to Arsenal than to Manchester, but the issue may be taken out of his hands if Arsenal fail to match West Ham’s valuation.

    The Hammers have previously confirmed that their midfielder is almost certain to leave this summer.

  • Man Utd adjust player-swap offer for Declan Rice

    Man Utd adjust player-swap offer for Declan Rice

    Manchester United are ready to offer Harry Maguire and Anthony Elanga plus cash for Declan Rice.

    The West Ham United captain is up for sale, with Manchester City and Arsenal also in the race.

    While the latter two teams are in prime position to secure Rice, United believe they can tempt the Hammers.

    Elanga is a talented winger who would fit David Moyes’ counter-attacking setup, while Maguire is also an ideal centre-half for his playstyle.

    Per The Mail, United have put in the bid that would include £40 million in cash and those two players.

    West Ham may be interested in Elanga and Maguire, but may still believe they can get more cash out of United.

    Another who West Ham admires at Man United is midfielder Scott McTominay.