Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina reacts live to Declan Rice in Arsenal win: ‘Oh my days’
Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina was blown away by Declan Rice as Arsenal ran riot against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The full-back is currently on the sidelines for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, having picked up an injury against Man United last time out, joining Forest’s star striker Chris Wood in the treatment room.
Instead, he was watching from the sofa as Mikel Arteta‘s side ripped apart the reigning Champions League champions at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, 8 April.
Rice netted an incredible double, both from free-kicks, before Mikel Merino scored a late third to put the tie out of reach ahead of the second leg, especially with Eduardo Camavinga receiving his marching orders.
Reacting to the midfielder’s opening goal, Aina was almost speechless as the Gunners took an unexpected lead against the La Liga giants.
Declan Rice stuns in Arsenal victory over Real Madrid
Speaking via his Snapchat story (8 April), Aina said: “Oh my days… Man of the Match already. I can’t lie, Declan. Oh my days.”
Ola Aina wants to return with a bang after watching Arsenal stunner
Football Insider verdict
It is unknown exactly when Aina will return from injury, given he is still on crutches, but there is hope of the right-back making a full recovery before Forest’s FA Cup semi-final tie against Man City.
Espirito Santo, who Forest are trying to tie down to a new deal, has already achieved the unexpected at The City Ground, but there is still plenty of time to achieve more in the final few games of the season.
| Nottingham Forest’s upcoming fixtures | Competition |
| Everton | Premier League |
| Tottenham | Premier League |
| Man City | FA Cup |
| Brentford | Premier League |
| Crystal Palace | Premier League |
An FA Cup title is on the cards, with a clash against Pep Guardiola up next, but attention will also be on securing a top-four finish, and therefore, bringing Champions League football to The City Ground.
The Reds were battling to stay in the division last season, but the former Wolves and Tottenham boss has turned things around at the club, and is now a much-loved figure amongst the fanbase.
Forest are certainly not the same team without Wood and Aina, but with fresh hope that the duo might return soon, the team will be keen to finish the campaign strong in both competitions.