Arsenal 2-0 (3-1) Bayer Leverkusen: Post-match reaction
Post-match reaction from Arsenal’s win against Bayer Leverkusen, which sees Mikel Arteta’s men progress through to the Last 8 of the Champions League. Mikel Arteta on Eze’s special strike opening up the tie: “Yes, I think it’s true, I think we started the game so well. We were a threat from every angle, their ‘keeper maintained them in the game I think, and we needed a magical moment from Ebs to score a wonderful goal, a wonderful strike, to give us the lead. In the second half we had periods of domination, periods where they dominated as well because they are a really good side, and they are really good in what they do. And again, Declan’s actions opened the opportunity to go on and win the game and the tie, and unfortunately as well we had four or five situations where we should have probably scored the third one and put the game to bed. But overall, I think we fully deserve to be in the quarter-finals.” On Declan Rice’s display: “He was immense. Him and the whole team – I just mentioned the soul of the team, I think the manner that they go for every ball, the passion that they show and the reaction is remarkable. Doing it every three days at that level is so difficult.” On David Raya’s crucial saves: “I don’t know what they generated, again in two games it was a set-piece last time and then a header before that, and today an action. He makes an incredible save, that’s why he’s here, he’s absolutely amazing.” Leandro Trossard:“It was a good performance from us, especially how we dominated that first half with a lot of chances. “I think we enjoyed ourselves]a lot on the pitch today, you could see that, it transmitted on to the crowd as well, I think we were very good and it was a perfect one for us. “We just needed to get the business done and I think we did it in a very good way.” Eberechi Eze on his goal: “I don’t know if I could dream of scoring a goal like that! I just saw the opportunity to shoot & thankful to God it worked today. It’s a special goal, I’m going to remember it for a long time.” On the season run-in: “The clear aim is to win trophies… it’s what we want to do, it’s what we’ve had as our goal from the start”. We’re in the final stages of all competitions, we’ll keep pushing, working. God willing, it comes through.” Declan Rice: “I’m shattered. It’s non stop. We are obviously still in all competitions. It’s been every 3 days since October. We’ve been coping with it best we can. You find energy and ways to win on nights like this.”
Enzo Fernandez hints at Chelsea exit following PSG defeat
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez last night hinted at a move away from London following Champions League exit against PSG. The London side were knocked out of the Champions League last night against the holders, PSG following an 8-2 defeat across the two legs with the midfielder suggesting a move away could be on the cards. After being asked about where Enzo will be come next season he said: When quizzed on where he would be playing next season, Fernandez said: “I don’t know. There are eight games left and the FA Cup. “There’s the World Cup and then we’ll see.” Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior stated: “I haven’t seen that” “It’s hard for me to speak on speculation after a game. I need to focus right now on the most important things, which is making sure we have the right result against Everton.” Enzo arrived to Stamford Bridge in 2023 joining from Portuguese side, Benfica for over £100million which is the second highest British transfer record just behind Isak with his move to Liverpool in the summer. The blues’ will be expecting a large sum of money should Fernandez depart so they aren’t losing out on money with only a few clubs across the world being able to afford what the Premier League would like. Enzo has played 160 times for Chelsea with 28 goals and 29 assists for the Stamford Bridge outfit where he has won 2 trophies during his time which was the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. Where he may go isn’t decided but a move to the Saudi League could be a potential switch or possibly a team like Bayern Munich or PSG may decide to come in for the Chelsea man.
“I Could’ve Potentially Played My Last Football Game” – Kasper Schmeichel Reveals Extent of Injury Woe
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel fears he may never play football again after being told of the recovery time for his persistent shoulder injury. The Danish international faces 10-12 months out of action, which would see him out beyond the expiry of his Celtic deal, expiring this summer. It also means he misses a potential World Cup this summer, and the 39-year-old is under no illusions of the stark reality ahead of him. He told CBS last night: “I’m going to need two surgeries to fix my shoulder. “I’ve torn the bicep, torn the rotator cuff, dislocated the shoulder, torn the labrum. Everything is gone. “It’s like an outfielder doing his ACL and achilles at the same time. It’s looking like 10-12 months of rehab.” Schmeichel wouldn’t be back in action until after his 40th birthday, and likely without a club if Celtic now choose not to extend his contract at Parkhead. “I could’ve potentially played my last ever football game. “I’ve been a footballer since the day I was born, that kind of thought is devastating. It’s very hard to wrap my head around at the moment. “By the time I get back fit I could be plus 40. “I’m going to give it everything I can to see if I can get back. It would be probably one of the greatest feats of my career if I could ever get back from an injury like this.” The former Premier League winner’s last game in the sticks came in a 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian last month.
