Arteta 'loved' Rice not listening to set-piece coach
- Published
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said he loved that Declan Rice did not listen to instructions when he scored his two free-kicks against Real Madrid in their memorable Champions League victory on Tuesday.
Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover wanted Rice to cross the ball into the area but the England midfielder curled an effort around the wall to give the Gunners the lead.
"I love it, especially when it goes in the back of the net, instead of losing it on the counter attack!" Arteta said.
"They have to make the decision. We are here to help them, to paint the picture of what the options are, but I loved it.
"When we talk about taking the next step, it is a lot about that. Taking the initiative.
"Making things happen on the pitch and believing you can actually win the game by yourself sometimes. I was really impressed with the way he did it."