Aasif Rahman

Wed 12 March 2025 10:36, UK

Declan Rice had a determined message for Arsenal fans as the team prepared for their second-leg clash against PSV in last-16 on Wednesday night

Arsenal will host PSV for the fixture on 12 March in the second leg of the Champions League round-of-16 tie, but already in a commanding position to reach the quarter-finals after their emphatic 7-1 victory in the first leg.

The Gunners recently showed their fighting spirit in a dramatic comeback against Manchester United, with Rice scoring the crucial equaliser to help secure a draw. Now, the focus shifts back to European competition as they aim to finish the job against PSV.

Rice received criticism from Arsenal fans after he called out the team’s “stupidity” in a post-match interview following the draw at Old Trafford. However, despite the backlash, Rice sent a message to Arsenal supporters after the game and has now shared another statement of intent ahead of the decisive second leg.

Declan Rice sends focused message ahead of Champions League clash with PSV

Rice shared a confident message on his Instagram story ahead of the second leg against PSV, with a simple yet powerful caption: “Second leg ready” accompanied by a picture of him in training.

It has been a season of highs and lows for the 26-year-old, who has been a key figure for the Gunners but has at times shown signs of fatigue, not quite reaching the same levels of form as in previous seasons.

Rice has faced some criticism from Arsenal fans, particularly regarding his role within the team. The question of whether he will play as a defensive midfielder or as a box-to-box presence remains unclear, but despite these positional changes, he has been vital to Arsenal’s campaign, making 38 appearances, scoring four goals, and providing eight assists.

Arteta’s hopes rely on Champions League to end trophy drought

Arsenal’s season has been somewhat disappointing so far, with the team eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and sitting 15 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal supporters have voiced frustration with owner Stan Kroenke and the board, after the club failed to sign an attacking reinforcement in January. This has been compounded by injuries, and with Mikel Merino now playing as a makeshift forward, the lack of depth has been felt across the squad.

Should the Gunners fail to win a trophy this season, it will mark five years since they last lifted silverware, which was the FA Cup in Arteta’s first season in charge.

Without a recognised striker for the remainder of the campaign, it would be an extraordinary achievement for Arsenal to secure European success, but if Rice can lead the charge, their hopes remain alive.