Mikel Arteta singles out ‘immense’ Arsenal star that ‘turned the game’ around in Champions League win over Real Madrid

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Arsenal stunned holders Real Madrid yet again with a 2-1 victory on the night in the Champions League quarter-final clash.

Bukayo Saka stunned fans as he missed an early penalty but made up for it by grabbing the opening goal just after the hour mark with a fantastic finish over Thibaut Courtois following an excellent pass from Mikel Merino.

William Saliba allowed Real Madrid back in with a chance after he was caught on the ball by Vinicius Jr, who smashed the ball past David Raya into an empty net.

The Gunners could not be denied a victory in the tie or on the night as Gabriel Martinelli raced through in stoppage time to cap a memorable night for Mikel Arteta and his side.

READ MORE: Bukayo Saka’s Thierry Henry tribute and Antonio Rudiger’s lucky escape – five things missed in Arsenal vs Real Madrid

Mikel Arteta singles out ‘immense’ Arsenal star v Real Madrid

Speaking to TNT Sports post match coverage of Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid, Arteta singled out the performance of Declan Rice during the tie.

Arteta stated: “I think tonight he was immense. He turned the game around the moment that the game was 50/50, he got the ball, he turned the game. I think he was immense today. He made a difference in the tie.”

Arsenal fans were furious with the referee after he gave a penalty against Rice in the first half but the decision was over turned after a lengthy VAR review.

Rice told Mbappe it wasn’t a penalty after the incident and more importantly for the Gunners he is now available to face PSG after initially picking up a booking.

Declan Rice match statistics v Real Madrid

Rice produced another 10/10 display in the Arsenal player ratings v Real Madrid as he looked a class above anyone else on the Bernabeu pitch.

He covered every blade of grass in a defensive effort but also looked a threat offensively as he carried the ball through midfield to relieve his team of any pressure.

It is fair to say the England midfielder is in the form of his life and not only is he continuing to show his strength and solidity in defensive aspects but is now carrying a real threat going forward.

Arsenal will now be hoping that form continues through to the end of the season as he will be needed against a strong PSG outfit.