Steven Gerrard has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to start Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The tie is finely poised after a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital, with both sides having scored penalties.
First Leg Recap
Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal the lead from the spot, but Julian Alvarez equalized after a Ben White handball. Arsenal felt they should have had another penalty when Eze went down in the box, but referee Danny Makkelie reversed his initial decision following a VAR review. Despite the draw, Arsenal will be confident of progressing, especially after thrashing Atletico 4-0 at the Emirates earlier in the competition.
Gerrard's Call for Changes
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Gerrard stressed the need for more attacking firepower in the second leg. 'I think in the second leg they have got to get Eze on the pitch,' he said. 'He gives them just that little bit more spark, a little bit more power. He just looks that little bit more dangerous for me.'
When asked if Saka should also start, Gerrard added: 'He does for me. You play your big-game players in the second leg. You can understand them wanting to change and freshen the energy up and change the squad about, but you play your biggest players in the second leg of a Champions League semi-final.'
Praise for Declan Rice
Gerrard also reserved special praise for Declan Rice, who played a deeper midfield role. 'I thought he was immense, especially in the first half. He was dominant, in and out of possession, played a slightly different role, slightly deeper. I think he was asked to drop in between the centre halves just to give them the extra man in the build-up because they were pressing with two centre forwards. But out of possession, the way he regains the ball, the way he covers ground, he's some size and he's some profile. I thought it was an outstanding performance from him once again.'
Arsenal will be hoping to reach their first Champions League final since 2006 when they face Atletico at the Emirates on Tuesday.
