Exclusive: Arsenal Legend Heaps Praise on ‘World-Class’ Star After ‘Unbelievable’ Real Madrid Victory | OneFootball

Arsenal Legend Reacts to ‘Unbelievable’ 3-0 Victory Over Real Madrid

Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid will ‘live long in the memory’ and rightly so as Declan Rice produced two moments of pure magic to put one foot into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Makeshift striker Mikel Merino then also came up with a clever finish to extend the lead.

Many saw Mikel Arteta’s side as massive underdogs going into the game but that didn’t phase the Gunners at all, who were well worthy of their three-goal lead heading into the second leg.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour spoke exclusively to EPL Index and shared his thoughts on the memorable night at the Emirates Stadium…

“What an Unbelievable Night!”

“What an unbelievable night!” began Parlour. “The two free-kicks by Declan Rice were simply world-class and Arsenal thoroughly deserved the victory.”

“It’s a massive statement win and there were oustanding performances all over the pitch,” said Parlour.

18-year-old left-back Myles Lewisk-Skelly was one that the former Arsenal star pointed out, admitting he was ‘hugely impressed’ by the youngster.

But, of course, it was ‘world-class’ Rice that received a lot of the plaudits with Parlour saying: “Rice was outstanding from the start and those free-kicks will live long in the memory for himself and everyone who was in thet stadium last night.”

Photo: IMAGO

It’s certainly one of the standout European moments in not only Arsenal’s european history, but for any English side in the prestigious competition.

Looking Ahead to the Second Leg

Despite the brilliance of last night’s victory, Parlour was keen to warn the Gunners that Real Madrid aren’t out of the tie just yet.

The former midfielder also revealed what Arsenal must do in the second leg, saying: “Arsenal must go into the second leg with a similar game plan and look to get on the ball and be creative.”

“They [Madrid] will be scared of Bukayo Saka and the pace of Gabriel Martinelli.”

In terms of Madrid’s chances of mounting a comeback, Parlour claimed: “They are very much still in the tie and we all know Madrid’s love for this competition, so they will be looking to get a goal back quickly.”

It would certainly take an almighty comeback from Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but with the firepower of the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham – anything is possible.