Steven Gerrard hails ‘world-class’ Arsenal star after Bayern Munich draw | Football
Steven Gerrard hailed ‘world-class’ Declan Rice after Arsenal’s entertaining 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Eberechi Eze fired Arsenal ahead midway through the first half after coming on for the injured Bukayo Saka.
Alphonso Davies equalised for Bayern following a brilliant Harry Kane pass before the England captain scored a penalty to put the hosts ahead.
Rice became the third England player to score on the night when he slotted home an 82nd-minute equaliser to maintain Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Champions League.
Gerrard praised the ‘character and mentality’ Arsenal showed after Bayern came from behind to lead and was particularly complimentary of Rice.
‘I did look at this game and think it was a wonderful opportunity for Arsenal to show why they’re Premier League champions and to go and win this game,’ Gerrard told TNT Sports.
‘Bayern were missing six or seven starters and the manager has been ill this week but credit to them because they played like men.
‘I think Arsenal would have really fancied this game and might have been rubbing their hands together in the dressing room, but Bayern stood up, played some wonderful football.
‘It would have been really unfair if Bayern had lost that, but then at the end it was Arsenal who needed to respond and they didn’t feel sorry for themselves.
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‘They’ve come here in a tough environment and gone 2-1 behind but they stood up, found the solution and showed real character and mentality.’
Asked about Rice’s status in the game, following surprising criticism from Graeme Souness, Gerrard added: ‘Forget about that, Declan Rice is a world-class midfielder and that was a top, top goal.’
Meanwhile, Rice used his post-match interview to throw his support behind England teammate Kane ahead of next week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
After netting against Arsenal, Tottenham legend Kane has scored a staggering 156 goals in 158 appearances for Bayern Munich.
‘He is the clear winner,’ Rice said when asked about Kane’s Ballon d’Or chances. ‘His numbers speak for themselves, the year he has had has been remarkable.
‘When you play with him you realise how good he is and when you play against him you see how much of a pain it is.
‘He is ridiculous, such a good player and I am lucky I can play with him, not so lucky I have to play against him.’
On Arsenal’s hard-fought draw out in Germany, Rice added: ‘We weren’t just going to come here and sit, that’s what the manager has drilled into us over the past two days.
‘At home they are probably one of the best teams in Europe so to come here tonight and give that account of ourselves was really good.’
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