Declan Rice Ignored Nicolas Jover’s Instructions During Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid
Following Arsenal’s emphatic 3-0 win over Real Madrid, there’s been some confusion swirling around just how influential set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover was on the night. Before Mikel Merino added the final flourish, it was Declan Rice who stole the spotlight – scoring his first-ever free-kick, then doubling up with another shortly after.
In the moments leading up to the opener, Mikel Arteta’s trusted assistant could be seen gesturing animatedly on the sidelines as Rice and Martin Odegaard hovered over the dead ball. Given that no team has scored more set-piece goals in the Premier League this season than Arsenal, credit has often gone to Jover’s meticulous eye for every little detail – an ace that’s been key in their pursuit of silverware. Watch the second of Rice’s free-kicks below:
This time, however, things didn’t quite go as they usually pan out. While it looked like another masterclass was unfolding, it turns out there was a bit of a mix-up between Jover’s instructions and Rice’s execution. So, for once, Arsenal’s set-piece guru might not have been the puppet master behind the magic – but with goals like that, few will be complaining.
Declan Rice may have stolen the headlines, but two other players deserve their flowers on a historic night at the Emirates Stadium.
Declan Rice Ignored Set-piece Specialist’s Instructions
The Englishman took matters into his own hands on this occasion
Initially, Arsenal supporters were quick to heap praise on Jover, as it looked as though he instructed Rice to curl his effort around the Real Madrid wall. Watch his animatic gesturing below:
However, in an interview with Amazon Prime after the final whistle and the extended celebrations that inevitably followed, Rice revealed that Jover was ordering the midfielder to opt for a cross instead of taking a shot. He said (watch the full interview below):
“We were planning on crossing the ball, but I spoke to [Bukayo Saka], and he said to me if you’re feeling it, take it. I saw the wall and the keeper and it didn’t make sense to cross it. Nicolas Jover kept telling me to cross it but Bukayo told me to take it. I took control and I told B I’m going to hit this.”
Given Jover’s set-piece success this season, it took some serious nerve to go off-script. But on this occasion, Rice’s self-belief paid off in spades. Trusting his instinct over instruction, the midfielder delivered a moment of magic that propelled Arsenal one giant step closer to ending their long-standing wait for European silverware.
They must still make the trip over to the Bernabeu before they confirm their status as semi-finalists in the second-leg next week, but considering they take a 3-0 lead – a deficit that Real Madrid have never overcome in a Champions League knockout game – they can feel confident of completing a historic victory over the reigning champions.
