William Saliba reacts to Arsenal's 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash.

In a resounding 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal showcased their potential to advance in the Champions League, led by Declan Rice, whose two stunning free-kick goals stole the spotlight. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Rice's decision to take the shot instead of adhering to the initial instructions from the club's set-piece coach, highlighting the importance of individual initiative in high-stakes matches. Rice's confidence in his ability to score, alongside his teammate Bukayo Saka’s encouragement, indicated a growing maturity within Arsenal’s squad. The match not only solidified Arsenal's strong position in the quarterfinals but also rekindled hopes of progressing to the semifinal for the first time since 2009. Arteta's comments underscored a prevailing theme in football - that the top clubs often rely on individual brilliance to win tightly contested matches, a crucial factor as Arsenal prepares for their next league fixture against Brentford and the return leg against Madrid. The emphasis on personal responsibility on the field reflects a strategic evolution under Arteta's leadership, brewing anticipation as fans look to see if Arsenal can sustain this momentum, especially with the looming competitive pressure from Premier League leaders, Liverpool.