Declan Rice believes the Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich is the “perfect” match for Arsenal to overcome defeat to Aston Villa.
The Gunners were deservedly beaten 2-0 by Unai Emery’s men at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins boosting Villa’s hopes of securing a top-4 finish.
Arsenal would return to the top of the Premier League with a victory, but they currently sit in second place, two points behind reigning champions Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s men, nevertheless, don’t have any time to lick their wounds as they head to Germany for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern.
A 2-2 attract north London last week leaves the tie on a knife’s edge and Rice believes such a crucial match is just what Arsenal need after rare slip-ups.
“It’s the perfect reaction game,” he said.
“We need a reaction on Wednesday night and this is a great chance to show our character and leadership. It’s time to get on the pitch and hopefully get to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
It’s time to pull up our socks and show everyone why we are in this situation
Declan Rice
“We have to park it on the side now. It’s over now, it’s a game of football. We lost, but we have to bounce back, that’s for sure.
“The trip to the Allianz Arena will be a special evening. It’s time to pull up our socks and show everyone why we are in this situation.
“We are gutted and disappointed to have lost an important match, but it is time to react. We’ve had an incredible run since January, won so many football games and are back in an incredible position after being sent off on Christmas Day.
For former Arsenal coach Emery, it was his first return to the Emirates Stadium as the Villa manager and the Spaniard seriously challenged his former club’s league title.
Villa had already hit the net through both Watkins and Youri Tielemans before substitute Bailey shot home to break the deadlock late on.
As the hosts were looking to equalize, Watkins ran out of his own half, grabbed a long ball and with a deft finish, increased the lead.
The victory means fourth-placed Villa extended their three-point lead over Tottenham in the fight for what looks like the final Champions League spot.
Like Arsenal, they now turn their attention to Europe as they prepare for the second leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final against Lille after a 2-1 home victory.
“I will definitely gain confidence and I think the team should gain confidence in this match as well,” Bailey said of the win against Arsenal.
“The way we played, coming to the Emirates – I think the way we set off was strong and I think the team really didn’t give up too much and at the same time we created chances.
“I think on that basis we should really take this game into account and gain a lot of confidence going forward.”
Credit : www.independent.co.uk
