Declan Rice described Arsenal’s progression to another Champions League semi-final as “an extraordinary feat,” despite their inability to end their critics’ doubts following a goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon at home on Wednesday.
The Gunners advanced with a 1-0 aggregate score, courtesy of Kai Havertz’s decisive goal in the Portuguese capital last week.
Having never clinched the Champions League title, Arsenal faced elimination in the semi-finals last season at the hands of eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Next up, they’ll go head-to-head with Atletico Madrid for a chance to face either PSG or Bayern Munich in Budapest next month.
“Achieving back-to-back semi-finals is an incredible accomplishment for this squad,” Rice remarked to TNT Sports. “Our goal now is to advance further than last year and reach the final.”
However, the underwhelming draw at the Emirates did little to prepare Mikel Arteta’s side for a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City this Sunday.
In fact, Arsenal has managed to win just one of their last five matches across all competitions, a streak that includes a defeat in the League Cup final against City and being eliminated from the FA Cup by second-tier Southampton.
“It’s all about positivity,” Rice emphasised. “We don’t care what others think. What’s important is how this group feels, and what the manager believes. We’re in another semi-final, and I’m thrilled about it.”
City sits six points behind Arsenal at the top of the table but have a game in hand and the advantage of playing at home this weekend.
“Our record this season has been exceptional in all competitions,” Rice stated.
“How much do we desire it? I know I’m ready, and I know the lads are prepared, so let’s do this!”
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