‘The Horse’ shows why he’s the soul of Arsenal after stunning Champions League strike

Arsenal’s Declan Rice delivered another masterclass performance in the Gunners’ 2-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen, curling home a stunning strike from outside the box to seal the quarter-final berth.

The England midfielder’s fifth goal of the season came at the perfect moment, extending Arsenal’s aggregate lead to 3-1 with less than 30 minutes remaining and allowing Mikel Arteta to rest key players ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Rice’s relentless energy has earned him the nickname ‘The Horse’ among his Arsenal teammates, and his latest display showed exactly why. The 27-year-old has now started 37 of his 43 appearances this season, playing the third-most minutes of any outfielder behind Martin Zubimendi and the injured Jurrien Timber.

‘I’m shattered, it’s non-stop,’ Rice told TNT Sport afterwards. ‘Arsenal are in all the competitions still so it’s been every three days since October. Everyone asks where I get my energy from. I just get this second burst of energy.’

The goal showcased Rice’s growing threat from distance, with eight of his 21 goals for Arsenal coming from outside the box. His powerful side-footed finish followed excellent delivery from corners throughout the match, adding to his impressive tally of 11 assists this season.

The soul of Arteta’s machine

Arteta was effusive in his praise for Rice’s performance, describing him as part of ‘the soul of the team’ after the victory.

‘He was immense. Him and the whole team,’ Arteta said. ‘The manner that they go for every ball, the passion that they show in every action is remarkable. And doing it every three days at that level is so difficult.’

Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson echoed those sentiments, highlighting Rice’s remarkable physical conditioning. The midfielder’s partnership with Zubimendi has become increasingly crucial, particularly with captain Martin Ødegaard struggling with injury issues this season.

Rice’s consistency has been vital to Arsenal’s charge on four fronts. The Gunners sit nine points clear at the Premier League summit while reaching the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and FA Cup.

Wembley awaits

With Arsenal’s six-year trophy drought potentially ending on Sunday, Rice’s focus has already shifted to the Carabao Cup final.

‘Arsenal need to be up for it. Arsenal have the momentum at the minute,’ he said. ‘Every time Arsenal play, Arsenal have the momentum and feel like Arsenal can win. When Arsenal go to Wembley, everyone will be behind Arsenal and Arsenal will be ready.’

The midfielder’s relentless approach epitomizes Arsenal’s current mentality, with fixture congestion showing no signs of slowing down. Rice’s ability to maintain his high standards across multiple competitions could prove decisive in determining whether Arsenal can finally end their trophy wait at Wembley.