Football

DECLAN RICE scored two spectacular free-kicks against Real Madrid – but some Arsenal fans believe Nicolas Jover was the real hero.Arsenal brushed aside the Spanish giants 3-0 with a magnificent display at the Emirates.Arsenal fans think set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was to thank for Rice’s first free-kickRice revealed Jover actually told him to cross the ballCredit: EPAThe midfielder scored two stunning free-kicks against Real MadridCredit: GettyRice will go down in folklore after scoring two astonishing free-kicks in the second half.They are the first direct free-kicks the midfielder has scored at club level, with Rice becoming a talisman from set-pieces this season for the Gunners.However some Gooners think he would not have pulled off his strikes without the assistance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.The Frenchman was spotted on the touchline before the free-kick was taken and he performed a whipping gesture.READ MORE ON ARSENALFans took that to mean he was advising Rice to whip the ball around the Real Madrid wall, which he did to find the net.Many praised Jover for his contribution, with one fan saying: “Mr.Jover makes the magic happen.”Another added: “NICOLAS JOVER MY HEROOOOO FOR LIFE.”And a third wrote: “Nico Jover statue at the emirate by next week pls.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever Rice revealed after the match that his set-piece coach was actually instructing him to cross the ball to the back post.He said: “He’s telling me to cross… it just didn’t make sense and you know I’m happy I took it because it’s a magic moment.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goals”He was telling me to cross!… I know [he defied everyone]. That’s what I mean Bukayo said if you feel it go for it.”I thought you know what, I looked at the ball and at the keeper and thought ‘I can bend this around the outside’.”Rice then laughed at Jover after watching footage of the coach celebrating his goal, with the England star claiming he took credit despite telling him to cross the ball.Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

EMI MARTINEZ is winding up the French again — with an Argentina hat and his nation’s colours dyed into his hair.The Aston Villa keeper, who was the 2022 World Cup final penalty shoot-out hero against France, wore a baseball cap which appeared to mock his hosts as he arrived for the Champions League clash  against  Paris Saint-Germain.Emi Martinez wore a hat that showed off the four titles he has won with ArgentinaCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialA French cockerel seemed to be drawn on in penCredit: Instagram / emi_martinez26The Villa keeper has recently left his dyed his hair in Argentina coloursCredit: RexVilla boss Unai Emery has warned his goalkeeper to “control his emotions” ahead of the quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes. But Martinez was up to his usual “s***house” antics by donning a cap that showed the FOUR international titles he has won with Argentina — and featured a French cockerel drawn in pen.Martinez, 32, also seemed to have the blue and white Argentina flag coloured into the side of his head.He normally dyes his hair like that for international duty but has seemingly left it in this time to mock Les Bleus.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Emery, who also managed Martinez at Arsenal, insisted: “He is mature and responsible. He’s getting better at controlling his emotion.”Since he arrived in Aston Villa five or six years ago, he is a different Emiliano Martínez.“He is more mature, he is a better player, a better goalkeeper. He is the best goalkeeper in the world.“My conversation with him is always the same — focus on the football, focus on the individual challenges.  And try to control your emotions.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAs well as his heroics, Martinez’s gameship made him public enemy No 1 in France and he was barracked throughout Villa’s Conference League tie in Lille last season.Emery added: “Football is about understanding the supporters and how they support their team.Emi Martinez and his stunning Wag are booed mercilessly at Ballon d’Or ceremony by France fans “It’s only football. Our fans are going to support us and their fans will support Paris. Hopefully, everything will be respectful.”Midfielder Youri Tielemans made light of Martinez’s antics.He said: “I don’t really care what he does. I’m just here to play the game and whatever happens with Emi happens — as long as it stays respectful.“That’s just his style. He’s ready and has not spoken any differently than before any other game. He is focused and he’s looking forward  to it.”Martinez was the World Cup final hero against France in 2022Credit: PAHis antics have made him a hated figure in FranceCredit: AFP More

BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid, becoming the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Declan Rice’s free-kick broke the deadlock against Real MadridCredit: GettyHe then bagged an even better second to double Arsenal’s advantageCredit: ReutersThibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night. Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDavid Raya – 7Was lucky that Kylian Mbappe did not quite have his shooting boots on during the first half, but still had to stand tall and make it as tough as possible to find an angle, producing a diving stop just after the 30-minute mark.Remarkably, was barely tested. One of his quieter evenings against the reigning European champions with one of the best attacks in the game.Jurrien Timber – 7A real mixed bag in the opening 45 minutes, not helped by a nasty late challenge from Mbappe on his left ankle that took him a while to shake off.Some brilliant work down the right combining with Saka, but was dispossessed by Bellingham who fed Mbappe in behind that could have cost them.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesWilliam Saliba – 9Had the unenviable task of keeping his fellow countryman Mbappe quiet without his defensive partner Gabriel, and do so magnificently at times.The Frenchman is slowly developing into one of the world’s very best defenders, proving it against the very team who want to pluck him away from North London this summer.Paul Merson suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports as he jumps up to celebrate Arsenal goalJakub Kiwior – 7A big night for the Pole and his first touch did not fill fans with confidence, letting a throw-in bobble over his foot and allowing Mbappe an early shot on goal.Another iffy pass put William Saliba in all sorts of bother and Mbappe got in before the offside flag went up. Lucky not to be booked for a late swipe at Luka Modric just before the break, but battled his way through. Myles Lewis-Skelly – 9Is this kid genuinely only 18? Check his passport, someone? On such a big occasion he was unflappable, drifting into midfield, finding space and losing his markers on the ball with ease.One or two scary moments early on, but that’s the package with Lewis-Skelly right now, as well as being very fun to watch.Thomas Partey – 8A real calming influence in the first half with some neat turns and nice carries as well as a few crucial interceptions to defuse any Madrid counters. On top of that, he forced Courtois into a decent stop with a low driving effort.Declan Rice – 11The England stars kick bent outside the posts before curling inside the postCredit: ReutersRoberto Carlos eat your heart out. That’s how you score a free-kick. I’ve never heard a noise like it in this stadium and it was fully deserved. To do it once was epic. To do it twice was just outrageous.Rice will have been frustrated not to have scored in the first half, only to score one of the best goals of his career in the second half.At his galloping marauding best on and off the ball, getting forward as often and as quickly as possible with Thomas Partey shoring things up. This is the Rice we love to see, and should have got on the scoresheet.Came close to a first half close-range flick that was well blocked. His brilliant header was then palmed away by Courtois.Martin Odegaard – 8A pressing machine. The Duracell Bunny has nothing on this man. The constant heartbeat of Arsenal’s shape and structure, while showcasing some neat bits of magic on the ball in Madrid territory.Bukayo Saka – 8Had his heart in his mouth when his undershot back pass inside five minutes saw Vinicius Jr race clear, thankfully unpunished.In attack however, it has not taken him long to shake off the rust from his three-month lay-off. Left Jude Bellingham for dead down the right and his ball across should have been tapped in, and almost did the same up against David Alaba soon after.Was kicked about a lot so no surprise he got taken off with the game done and dusted.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Largely quiet and struggled to get the better of Federico Valverde aside from the odd surging drive. His only real chance where he came alive was a rebound from a tight angle that was straight at Courtois.Still, he played his part, ran his socks off, even switching to the right wing when Saka was subbed off.Mikel Merino – 9Worked hard off the ball, dropping deep to provide space for his teammates to run in behind and led the line well, albeit without any real chance to seriously worry Courtois in the first half.Read More on The SunThe shackles were off later on. Should have found the net twice in the space of two seconds from six yards but made up for it with a stonking first-time curler that sent this place into orbit.SubsTrossard (for Saka, 74 mins) – 6Went up front and gave Arsenal some energy when tired legs were creeping in.Kieran Tierney (for Rice, 80 mins) – N/ABen White (for Timber, 90 mins) – N/A More

DECLAN RICE had played in more than 400 matches as a professional footballer and never scored a direct free-kick. In fact, Arsenal’s £105million man has barely ever taken aim at goal with a dead ball in almost two seasons at the Emirates. Declan Rice scored two sensational free-kicks that stunned Real MadridCredit: GettyRice incredibly bent his first around the wall and beyond Thibaut CourtoisCredit: GettyHis second was even better, straight into the top cornerCredit: GettyMikel Merino then added a third to surely send Arsenal into the semi-finalCredit: GettySo how about this then? In a Champions League quarter-final against the reigning, and 15-time kings of Europe, Rice decided to score two of them inside a dozen minutes. And both from 25 yards. Both mugging off Thibaut Courtois, one of the finest keepers in the world.As the Emirates erupted in an ecstatic bedlam – bodies everywhere like some kind of an orgy – Arsenal’s non centre-forward Mikel Merino lashed home a third and Mikel Arteta’s men had secured a commanding lead to take into the Bernabeu next Wednesday night. Real Madrid are never knowingly beaten before a tie is over but the Gunners are in touching distance of a first Champions League semi-final in 16 years. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they have already beaten both of their potential last-four opponents, Paris St Germain or Aston Villa, this season. What a night this was. The best the Emirates has ever known in its 19-year history – better even than the night when Jack Wilshere once skewered Lionel Messi’s Barcelona. Real, with the starriest cast list on planet football, were utterly shell-shocked – blown away by three goals in 17 second-half minutes.  And Rice was simply magnificent. He ought never be employed as a passive holding midfielder again, as he has often done for England. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRice proved he is worth every penny of the £105m fee paidCredit: GettyRice had never scored a free-kick before tonightCredit: GettyHe very nearly had four goals in this match – a header thwarted by a brilliant Courtois save and a fierce shot cleared off the line by his England midfield partner Jude Bellingham, who was a spectator for large parts of this feverish evening. Arteta’s mission was simple – to defeat the most famous club on the planet without a recognised striker and without a first-choice centre-half. ‘Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsReal had no such issues. Four players, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, who had been threatened with a ban for shaking their wotsits at Atletico Madrid fans after the last round all avoided serious punishment to the surprise of precisely no one. Luka Modric at 39, old enough to have played in the classic 4-4 North London Derby here 17 years ago – was fossilising, looking a weak link for the visitors. The former Ballon d’Or winner tripped Bukayo Saka on the edge of the box early on, then was the beneficiary of some generous refereeing from the Bosnian Irfan Peljto, who looked in awe of Arsenal’s visitors and gave them plenty. Real, shoddy on the domestic front of late, were not looking themselves at all – Antonio Rudiger’s attempted clearance cannoning off Eduardo Camavinga and almost costing an own goal. After Myles Lewis-Skelly drifted into central midfield and kippered Modric, Thomas Partey had a shot pushed out by Courtois.  Vinicius pinged one wide after the referee failed to give Arsenal an obvious free-kick, the Emirates howling with rage. It took half an hour before Real decided to join in. Bellingham moonwalked around Jurrien Timber and slipped a pass to Mbappe whose shot was smothered by David Raya. Mbappe was beginning to get footloose but it was more meme content than genuine goal threat.  Saka fired a couple of low centres across the face of goal but, as we thought we knew, there was no centre-forward. Shortly before the break, Courtois had to earn his corn. Rice’s downward header was pushed out instinctively before Gabriel Martinelli’s follow-up shot was blocked by the towering Belgian keeper.Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners…Arsenal went into the interval heartened yet there was still anxiety around the place. With Real, you never know when the ignition switch will flick. Early in the second half, Ancelotti started performing keepy-uppies in his technical area. The old dude won this thing twice as a player, not just five times as a manager, in case anyone had forgotten.But then the party started. Saka dribbled infield and was upended by David Alaba and for once Peljto gave Arsenal a free-kick to the ironic cheers of the home crowd. There was a lengthy confab between four Arsenal players before Rice was given the honours, ahead of Saka or Martin Odegaard.Rice sized it up, wrapped a foot around the ball and curled it with power around the wall and past a flailing Courtois. Wallop. There was a minor earthquake in the stands and Arteta’s men scented blood. Now every Arsenal challenge, every pass, was cheered. Soon, Lewis-Skelly released Martinelli, whose shot was pushed out brilliantly by Courtois, who then defied the false nine Merino. From the following corner, Bellingham cleared off the line from a fierce Rice drive. The £105million man had the devil in him. And then Saka was fouled again, 25 yards out, as if Real hadn’t learned their lesson. This time Rice went for height and dip, with the same result – Courtois is 6ft 7in, he dived full stretch and didn’t get remotely near it. Soon, it became ridiculous. Lewis-Skelly, full of it, cut inside from the left and fed Merino who whipped a first-time effort past Courtois.  Read More on The SunIt was the Spaniard’s sixth goal since taking over his makeshift striker duties. Arteta’s men were pedal-to-the-metal. Real Madrid – the actual Real Madrid – were roadkill. More