The Gunners boss was delighted after another strong performance from his side in Europe
Mikel Arteta praised the individual brilliance of Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice after Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, winning 3-1 on aggregate.
Eze’s stunning first-half volley broke the deadlock before Rice’s composed finish sealed the tie on 63 minutes, and Arteta was effusive about both contributions in his post-match press conference.
“We started the game so well and we were a threat from every angle. Their keeper kept them in the game and we needed a magical moment from Ebs to give us the lead,” he said.
“Then in the second half Declan’s action gave us the opportunity to win the game and we had four or five situations where we should’ve scored a third, but overall we fully deserved to win and be into the quarter-finals.”
Eze and Rice steal the show
On Eze, who has come up with some big moments since his summer move from Crystal Palace, Arteta was clear about the importance of confidence in the midfielder.
“Ebs is playing every three days, he has rhythm, has an understanding with the players and this is why he is here. He is building an understanding with all of them and when you start to make key moments in games that lifts your confidence.”
Rice’s strike drew an equally enthusiastic reaction from his manager. “When you talk about technique, the ball just sounded, boff, and the reaction of all the players around tells you about it. That’s why he’s here.
“It’s the Champions League. When you have four or five chances and if you don’t put the ball in the back of the net, it gets frustrating. It was an incredible moment from Declan to finish the game.
“Declan was immense, him and the whole team, the manner they go into every ball and the passion they show is remarkable.”
