Although I scored the most dangerous free kick in football history to win for Arsenal today, I’m not the one that deserves this Man of the Match award. I have officially decided to return it to this particular Arsenal player who played out his heart today,” Declan Rice boldly declares — and it’s NOT Ødegaard or Merino!
In what can only be described as a thunderous night at the Emirates, Arsenal secured a dramatic win in one of the most thrilling fixtures of the season — and while Declan Rice rightfully lit up the stadium with a jaw-dropping free kick that will go down in Premier League folklore, the England midfielder stunned everyone post-match with a humble and heartfelt gesture that left fans speechless.
Yes, he scored what many are already calling “the most dangerous free kick in football history”, a strike so venomous and precise that even the opposition fans rose to applaud. It curled wickedly over the wall, dipped just under the bar, and kissed the net with the kind of poetic violence that reminded supporters of Thierry Henry’s best moments in red and white. That moment sent Arsenal fans into absolute raptures and sealed three crucial points in the title race.
But despite being the headline hero, Rice made it crystal clear — he doesn’t believe he was the true star of the night.
In a post-match interview that has since gone viral, Declan Rice said:
“Although I scored the most dangerous free kick in football history to win for Arsenal today, I’m not the one that deserves this Man of the Match award. I have officially decided to return it to this particular Arsenal player who played out his heart today.”
And then came the jaw-dropping revelation. The name he mentioned?
Not Martin Ødegaard. Not new signing Mikel Merino. But… Leandro Trossard.
Yes, the Belgian maestro, often overshadowed by the bigger names in Arsenal’s lineup, was singled out by Rice as the player who truly carried the Gunners tonight.
Trossard didn’t score, but he didn’t need to. His performance was a masterclass in energy, determination, and relentless attacking flair. He covered nearly every blade of grass, provided two key passes that led to Arsenal’s best chances before the free kick, and harassed the opposition defense into countless errors. It was one of those performances that don’t always make the highlight reels but are absolutely indispensable to a team’s success.
Rice continued:
“What Trossard did tonight… that was grit, passion, intelligence, and sacrifice. He made us tick in the middle, he broke their shape time and time again, and he never stopped running. Honestly, without him, that game doesn’t even reach the point where my free kick could matter.”
The gesture from Rice reflects a powerful team-first mentality that’s clearly growing within this Arsenal squad under Mikel Arteta’s guidance. And the fans loved it. Social media exploded with praise not just for Rice’s goal, but for his humility and leadership.
One fan posted: “Declan Rice is captain material. That kind of honesty and respect for teammates is rare. We’re building something special.” Another wrote: “Trossard has been so underrated for us. Glad someone finally said it out loud. Tonight, he was everywhere!”
The Gunners now sit firmly in the title race, but beyond the three points, tonight was about something deeper — unity, humility, and recognition for those who make the difference even when they don’t grab the headlines.
Declan Rice’s free kick will be remembered for years, but his words afterward might just say even more about the kind of team Arsenal is becoming. And as for Trossard? After tonight, he might not just be underrated anymore.