Declan Rice scored two amazing free-kicks against Real Madrid, but some Arsenal fans think Nicolas Jover, the set-piece coach, was the true hero.
Arsenal impressively defeated Real Madrid 3-0 in a great performance at the Emirates Stadium.
Rice will be remembered for scoring two incredible free-kicks in the second half.
These were his first direct free-kicks at the club level, and Rice has become a key player from set-pieces for Arsenal this season.
However, some Arsenal supporters, known as Gooners, think he might not have scored these goals without the help of Nicolas Jover.
Jover was seen on the sideline before the free-kick, making a gesture suggesting a curled shot.
Fans thought this meant Jover was telling Rice to curl the ball around the Real Madrid wall, which is exactly what he did to score.
Many fans praised Jover for his role, with one saying, “Mr. Jover is the magic maker.”
Another fan added, “NICOLAS JOVER IS MY HERO FOR LIFE.”
A third fan joked, “A statue of Nico Jover at the Emirates should be built by next week.”
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However, Rice later said that Jover was actually telling him to cross the ball to the far post.
He explained, “He was telling me to cross… it didn`t make sense, but I`m glad I took the shot because it was a magical moment.”
`Give me your right foot please` – Injured Arsenal star asks Declan Rice in the locker room after his amazing goals.
“He was telling me to cross! I know he went against the plan. Bukayo said if you feel confident, go for it.”
“I thought, you know what, I looked at the ball and the goalkeeper, and thought, `I can bend this around the outside`.”
Rice laughed at Jover after seeing videos of the coach celebrating his goal, saying Jover took credit even though he had told him to cross.
Arsenal player ratings against Real Madrid: Declan Rice`s free-kick stunners earn him an ELEVEN out of 10
Bend it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…
It was a set-piece masterclass from the Arsenal midfielder, scoring his first career free-kicks against Real Madrid. He also became the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in a single knockout stage game.
Real Madrid`s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, made an incredible double save in the first half, denying a header from Rice and a follow-up shot from Gabriel Martinelli.
The first goal came in the 58th minute when Rice curled in a fantastic free-kick.
Rice then amazed the Emirates crowd with an even better second free-kick from the left side, firing it into the top right corner.
Mikel Merino then scored a third goal from a low cross, sealing a remarkable night for Arsenal.
Rice`s outstanding performance earned him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.
Here’s a look at how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Arsenal players…
