Arsenal

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With two stunning free-kicks, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice understandably stole the headlines after the Gunners' 3-0 win over Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

But, was it the performance of another midfielder that actually had just as much of an impact?

Thomas Partey's commanding of the middle of the park may have gone unnoticed among the furore of his midfield partner's double set-piece heroics.

But the numbers around the 31-year-old's night at the Emirates are impressive.

Partey's stats ranked him in the top two of Arsenal players in almost all of the key metrics against Real Madrid:

The Ghana international was second for most touches of any Gunners player, with 76 (defender William Saliba came top with 91).

He also had the second most number of passes with 76 (Saliba top with 91), and was second for number of accurate passes - 61 to Saliba's 80.

Other standout statistics included:

• Second most dribbles with three, behind Gabriel Martinelli (four) and level with Jurrien Timber

• Second most duels won with three - level with Myles Lewis-Skelly and behind Timber (eight)

• Won possession back six times - top alongside Saliba

• Attempted three tackles - second behind Timber (four).

Being able to keep a clean sheet against the powerhouse of Real Madrid's forward line and midfield is arguably as important in the context of the tie as the goals from Rice and Mikel Merino.

Partey providing solid defensive cover in that midfield area also gave the freedom for Rice to foray further forwards and help build up the Arsenal attack.

He has quietly gone about his business this campaign for Mikel Arteta, having played 44 games across all competitions and chipped in with three goals and two assists.

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When considering this consistent and solid presence in the team, it is therefore somewhat puzzling that Partey is set to become a free-agent in the summer when his contract runs out.

It is this experience that is sometimes the hardest to replace in a team.

So, what do you think, Arsenal fans?

Should the Gunners be renewing Partey's contract or have they already seen the best of him?

Let us know

Image source, Opta

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made sure to get the message across that it is just half-time in their Champions League tie with Real Madrid despite his side's impressive 3-0 win.

The Gunners produced their best performance of the season to stun Los Blancos in the quarter-final first leg with Declan Rice scoring two excellent long-range free kicks.

The goals are the first two free kicks the midfielder has scored in his career and Mikel Merino, acting as a makeshift striker, scored his fifth goal in nine games as Arsenal set themselves up with an impressive lead before next week.

Arteta spoke about how he believes that the crowd played a massive part in the win and talked of "magic moments" that secure such victories.

After that though, in his post-match news conference, the manager referenced a few times how it is only half-time and that his Arsenal team still need to go to the Bernabeu.

The Gunners boss will be aware of the magic that Madrid can produce in this competition and will not want his side to be caught unaware when they travel to Spain.

Arteta says he wants his team to "elevate their level" for that game next week as the Gunners look to set up a special end to their season.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal beating Real Madrid 3-0 is an absolutely incredible result.

I think to be able to have games and moments like that at home, with your fanbase there, with everybody tuning in, and to walk off with a lead like that, makes it one of the marquee games of the competition so far.

Going into a second leg in the Bernabeu in the Champions League knockout you should never be too comfortable.

But I think it is vindication for Mikel Arteta and his players who have always believed they can compete. They have always believed they can beat absolutely anybody and beating Real Madrid in the Champions League is something that should never be ignored.

They have been the dominant force so for Arsenal to dominate them in that fashion, for some of Madrid's key players to be as quiet as they were, and for the goals to be of such high quality - it is the type of game you remember for a lifetime.

The first free-kick from Declan Rice was really good, but the second one was outrageous. It could not be any more in the top corner. No questions, no discussions - it is literally a perfect free-kick.

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The second leg is when it matters that they have someone like Arteta who never gets too up or too down with his team. He has a real undying belief they can beat anybody so I think he will set his team up in the right way.

We have seen throughout the season that defensively Arsenal are very solid and they have got one of the best defensive records in the Champions League.

It will be tough in the second leg, but I think those players will be more than prepared for anything that's going to be thrown at them.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

Over the past few seasons, we have got used to Arsenal scoring from set-pieces.

Jack-in-the-box set-piece coach Nicolas Jover jumps up, Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice swings in one of those menacing corners and Gabriel/William Saliba/Thomas Partey marmalises the defenders to head in.

But it's not been the same story from free-kicks.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta said last night that Arsenal had not scored directly from a free-kick since October 2021.

While not strictly true, Bukayo Saka's strike that went all the way in against Paris St-Germain from out on the touchline should probably be ruled out as against the spirit of these things!

Prior to that, it was indeed three and a half years ago, when Martin Odegaard bent in against Burnley at Turf Moor.

And he's kept trying ever since.

In fact, it has been 30 attempts without success for the Arsenal captain since then – put somewhat to shame by the ridiculous quality demonstrated by Rice against Real Madrid for two goals on Wednesday evening.

Probably time for the Norway midfielder to hand over the baton.

Image source, Getty Images

Via Opta's expected goals (xG) model, Declan Rice's first free-kick had an xG of 0.037 (3.7%) and his second had an xG of 0.063 (6.3%).

The probability of scoring both of those comes in at a combined total of 0.23% - a 1 in 434.8 chance.

That means that in theory, if the match was played out 435 times and Rice took both of the free-kicks he scored again, in only one of them would he have scored both free-kicks in the same match.

Image source, Getty Images

Following Arsenal's 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, we asked for your views on the game.

Here are some of your comments:

Sam: Bend it like Declan! Sensational performance! There was many doubts about this game yet every player on that pitch showed that they want this Champions League. It shows the influence of Mikel Arteta, taking Arsenal from a mid-table side to beating Real Madrid 3-0 in a Champions League quarter-final within five years. Hopefully they can do the same at the Bernabeu.

Josh: Just brilliant. A superb game for Declan Rice - he deserves it. A tactical masterclass as well. Imagine where we would be with a striker? Come on the Arsenal.

Alexandra: An outstanding performance from the players and the crowd in the stadium. This is what I hoped for, but couldn't quite dare. Have to bring it all again next week- the job is only half done. But I'm going to enjoy this magnificent moment.

Kevin: Arsenal have always found ways of beating big teams. Real Madrid underestimated the Gunners. Talk about man for man. Arsenal dominated Real Madrid, who played like school boys. But, that was because Arsenal were the underdogs. And, they will win the Champions League.

Will: Fabulous performance and I'm still sitting on my sofa in disbelief. Let's get the second leg completed and as long as we have no more injuries (plus Riccardo Calafiori should be back by the semi-final), then we have every chance of going to the final.

Bruno: One of those nights that will stay in the memory for a long time. A defining moment of just how much the club have changed under Mikel - we compete in every game and are capable of results like this.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live'sFootball Daily podcast about Mikel Merino's goal against Real Madrid:

"There has been a lot of criticism for Arsenal without a number nine but wow - what a finish from Merino. On the swivel it was not easy - the ball was travelling at some speed and had a little kick up off the turf.

"It's just bounced a tiny bit towards him and he's leaning back a bit as well. To control it and guide it into the far post was just a brilliant finish.

"Technically it was as good as the free-kick moments but the free-kicks were just the star of the show. For Declan Rice to step up and bang two in like that was incredible.

"Arsenal should take so much confidence and belief in how strong this team is as a unit. The attitude and work-rate had a real intensity about it. Tactically, it was great. The players played well individually, but it just had a feel of a team with real confidence.

"This game produced some real top-class moments that the fans will remember for a long time."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

There is only one story dominating Wednesday's back pages - Declan Rice's stunning free-kick double to set Arsenal on their way to a 3-0 Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid.

The Mirror goes for the headline 'Rice, Rice Baby' in reference to the song that rang around Emirates Stadium after full-time, while The Star has 'Rice Crispies' with a sub-headline calling Rice a 'serial killer' from free-kicks.

The Telegraph draws comparisons to legendary free-kick taker David Beckham with the headline 'Bend it like Declan' while The Mail carries pictures of the celebration to each goal - including Mikel Merino reacting to his fine third.

Arsenal are willing to pay 150m euros (£128m) for Inter Milan and Argentina forward Lautaro Martinez, 27. (Fichajes - in Spanish, external)

Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, 26, favours a move to Juventus or a Premier League club once his loan spell at Galatasaray ends. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all interested in the forward, who is available for 65m euros (£55.7m). (ESPN, external)

Finally, the Gunners are preparing an offer worth 30m euros (£25.6m) for Real Madrid and Turkey midfielder Arda Guler, 20, who is not happy with his limited game time. (Fichajes - in Spanish, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal side took their performance to "another level" as they beat Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Arteta was asked by BBC Sport what he made of Myles Lewis-Skelly's performance, with the youngster becoming just the second English player to start a Champions League quarter-final aged 18 or younger. The first was Jude Bellingham.

However, the Arsenal boss did not want to pick out individuals and was quick to praise the performance of his whole team.

"I mean, collectively, when we played the way we played and have the performance that we had you need individuals at the highest level." Arteta said.

"I think they all took their performance to another level, their individual performance to the standards that are required to beat this incredible team.

He added: "[I am] very happy and now it is about consistency."

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BBC Radio London reporter Harry Symeou, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's been an incredible night. I don't even know how to put it into words.

"I came here tonight hoping that Arsenal would take something to Madrid, but I was quite content taking a 0-0 draw if I'm honest.

"The Gunners ended the first half really strongly and just grew into the game. The second half comes along and they were completely on top.

"The atmosphere in here was incredible. I have been coming here since the day the stadium opened and I don't think I have experienced anything quite like it.

"For a few weeks now it has all been about this Real Madrid tie.

"The Premier League is long gone, although not mathematically, as supporters we felt that for a long time we did not have enough in the tank to catch Liverpool.

"When this draw came out you are thinking that we could go on a real ride in the Champions League and turn what was a disappointing season into a magical one.

"Here the European champions come and you blow them away. You can't ask for any more as an Arsenal fan tonight. Incredible."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to Amazon Prime: "Beautiful. So happy, so proud of the team. We have the opportunity to make a lot of people proud and we certainly have done that.

"I've never seen the stadium like this. Before the game they were already singing and already playing the game. For big European nights you need the big stadiums that create atmosphere and you need individual magic moments and there you go.

"That's the beauty of whoever invented this sport. We hadn't scored a free-kick since September 2021, and tonight, against Real Madrid at home in the Champions League, we scored two in 13 minutes."

On Arsenal's set-piece coach celebrating Declan Rice's goal: "He can claim it if he wants, it doesn't matter. It's incredible.

"If there's a player who can do it, how clean he strikes it, it's Declan. But you have to execute it at the highest level, and against one of the best keeper's in the world as well. It's amazing."

On Bukayo Saka's performance: "He was key. Again, he elevates the level of the team. There's a fear factor every time he's on the ball. Teams step off him and that creates space.

"He's fine [after being substituted], I think it was a kick.

On the return-leg in Madrid: "OK, we need to go there. We know we will have to step up again and we will try to win it.

"It's another step in the right direction as a team. We have to make another one and replicate what we've done tonight."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal goalscorer Declan Rice, speaking to Amazon Prime: "I don't know whether it will ever sink in. I've gone back to my phone then and it's gone crazy.

"To score my first free-kick in a game is a special one. And then when I got the second one, I just had the confidence. I'm speechless really.

"To beat Real Madrid in this competition. It's a big night for us.

"The manager just said that then. Even if we're 3-0 up, the individual quality they have is scary. At the Bernabeu special things happen for them. We want to be in the Champions League semi-finals."

On whether David Beckham has texted him: "I'm not lucky enough to have his number. I'm just so happy."

On his first free-kick: "We were saying to cross it. When they were over a little bit we saw the space, Bukayo [Saka] said 'if you feel it, go for it'. I thought 'I'm going to take this'.

"When you score a goal it's the best feeling in the world. It didn't make sense from that angle to cross the ball. It would have to be a delicate pass and when I saw the wall, it didn't make sense to cross. You know what, I'm happy I took it because it was magic."

On watching Arsenal's set-piece coach celebrate: "He's claiming for it but he's told me to cross it!"

On his second free-kick: "It looks far out, you don't even realise. Do you know what, we were going to touch and set it, me and Martin [Odegaard], but [Kylian] Mbappe was kind of stuck too close. But, then I thought 'I've got the keeper's side, I practice this so much', I was going to go for it. I had the confidence from the first one, if it went over the bar it wouldn't matter.

"I don't think it's going to hit me what I've done tonight. It's a historical night, and to score two goals against Real Madrid.

"We want to win this competition, but we have to take it one game at a time.

"Even at West Ham and ever since I've been here everyone's been telling me to shoot more. It's these little things and you've got to be in that mindset to score goals. I do have the ability to do it, but it's a confidence thing.

"I don't think I'll sleep tonight. I'm delighted."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal's Declan Rice became the first player in Champions League history to score two direct free-kick goals in a knockout stage match, while it was just the fifth time overall a player had scored more than one in the same game (also Cristiano Ronaldo, Hakim Ziyech, Neymar and Rivaldo).

Rice also became just the fourth Gunners player to score from a direct free-kick in the Champions League (after Alberto Mendez, Thierry Henry and Bukayo Saka), while it was the first scored in a knockout stage game for the club in the competition.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

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Arsenal are involved in Champions League quarter-final action on Tuesday and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

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