Declan Rice has described Arsenal’s passage to another Champions League semi-final as “an incredible achievement,” despite the team’s inability to appease their detractors following a goalless draw at home against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday.
The Gunners advanced 1-0 on aggregate, thanks to a late winner from Kai Havertz in the Portuguese capital last week.
Arsenal, still in search of their first Champions League title, were eliminated in the semi-finals last season by the eventual champions, Paris Saint-Germain.
In the upcoming semi-finals, they will clash with Atletico Madrid for the opportunity to face either PSG or Bayern Munich in Budapest next month.
“To reach back-to-back semi-finals is truly an incredible achievement for this group,” Rice shared with TNT Sports. “Our aim now is to push further than last year and secure a place in the final.”
However, the lacklustre draw at the Emirates did little to position Mikel Arteta’s side optimally for their looming Premier League title showdown against Manchester City this Sunday.
Arsenal have managed just one victory in their last five matches across all competitions, a dismal stretch that includes a defeat in the League Cup final to City and an exit from the FA Cup at the hands of second-tier Southampton.
“It’s all about positivity,” Rice stated. “We’re not concerned with outside opinions. What truly counts is how this group feels and what the manager thinks. We’re back in another semi-final, and I’m thrilled.”
City trails Arsenal by six points at the top of the league but holds a game in hand and will enjoy the home advantage when the two teams meet this weekend.
“Our performance this year has been phenomenal in all competitions,” Rice noted.
“How much do you want it? I’m prepared, and I know the boys are ready too, so let’s seize the moment!”
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
