Arsenal: Mikel Arteta reveals Declan Rice free-kick talk as 'magic moments' down Real Madrid | OneFootball

The Gunners boss pointed to the fan-made atmosphere as key to win

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Mikel Arteta revealed that Declan Rice has been "really determined" to take on free-kick duties for Arsenal after the midfielder's "magic" double against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Stand-in striker Mikel Merino scored a third to spark pandemonium at the Emirates and leave holders Real with a mountain to climb in next Wednesday's decider at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"He's been really determined [to take free kicks] because we have talked in the last few months. We haven't scored a direct free kick since September 2021, Burnley away, Martin Odegaard," Arteta said of Rice.

"It's been a long time, so to score two goals in 12 minutes of that magnitude and quality from the same player - a player that has never scored a free kick before in his career. What are the odds?

"But he's done it tonight. I'm a big believer, I think the crowd played something with the energy they put in and it helped us to win the game."

Declan Rice with his man-of-the-match award

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Real have lifted the European Cup in five of the past nine seasons but they were blown away by Arteta's side in the second half.

The head coach pointed to a rocking atmosphere in north London and three "magic moments" as the decisive factors in the game.

"Very proud, we had a very complete and big performance collectively," added Arteta. "This night is about two factors, one is the atmosphere that we create - 15 minutes before kick-off already something we haven't seen before.

"When you play with that energy and commitment from your crowd it makes a huge difference. And then magic moments that decide football matches. The first two goals of Declan I think sums up the night."

The Spaniard added: "I was very convinced [it could happen] because I sensed in the preparation that we were really at it.

"It's just half-time but we are very happy."

Both Rice and Bukayo Saka were forced off injured in the second half but Areta, whose side host Brentford on Saturday, played down fears about injuries to his star players.

"Dec had an issue with a foot and Bukayo after he got tackle had a knock. It doesn't look serious, no," he said.