Declan Rice has admitted feeling frustrated with his performance despite scoring his first-ever Champions League goal during Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

The Gunners’ emphatic win at the Emirates Stadium puts them in prime position to secure a spot in the last 16 of the competition, bypassing the need for additional play-off fixtures next month. Rice opened the scoring in just the second minute of the game, with Kai Havertz and captain Martin Ødegaard adding second-half goals to seal the triumph.

While the England international celebrated his landmark goal, he was critical of a missed opportunity later in the match, where he failed to convert a header following a pinpoint cross from substitute Ethan Nwaneri.

Rice Reflects on Missed Chances

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Rice expressed his disappointment: “Honestly, I’m so annoyed. I had a similar chance against Manchester United [in the FA Cup], and I missed that one too. It’s frustrating because I’m getting into the right positions when I play as an eight, but I need to be more clinical.

“Scoring in the first half was great, but I really should have added a second. Still, to get my first Champions League goal feels amazing—it’s taken two seasons, but I’m delighted. Hopefully, there are plenty more to come.”

Arteta’s Tactical Demands on Midfielders

Rice also shed light on manager Mikel Arteta’s emphasis on shared goal contributions, particularly from the midfield, amid Arsenal’s ongoing search for a striker ahead of the January transfer window.

“The manager has been pushing us hard to make those late runs into the box,” Rice revealed. “He’s told us how important it is for midfielders to chip in with goals—it can make such a difference. It’s about covering that extra five or ten yards to be in the right place at the right time.

“Martin [Ødegaard] showed that perfectly at the end of the game, and I managed it for the header. It’s something we all need to keep working on, but it’s great to see everyone contributing.”

A Positive Champions League Campaign

Arsenal’s convincing win further solidifies what has been a strong Champions League campaign. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Rice added: “This was an important win for us. We’ve been really positive throughout this campaign, and now there’s just one more group-stage match to go. Hopefully, we can end it with another victory.”

As speculation continues about Arsenal’s plans to strengthen their attacking lineup in the upcoming transfer window, Arteta will undoubtedly be pleased to see his midfielders stepping up to share the scoring load. For Rice, the goal against Dinamo Zagreb was a step forward—but he’s determined to keep improving his finishing touch in the weeks to come.

Manchester United’s rising star Chido Obi Martin, a former Arsenal academy prospect, has earned a spot in first-team training under manager Ruben Amorim. The 17-year-old striker has been turning heads with his performances for the Under-18 side, catching Amorim’s attention at a critical time for the senior squad.

Obi Martin recently showcased his talent in a commanding 5-2 Youth Cup victory over Preston North End, where he contributed two goals and set up an early strike for teammate Jack Fletcher. Known for his vibrant personality, the young forward even celebrates goals with Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuu” celebration, further highlighting his confidence and flair.

The teenager’s promotion to senior training sessions comes during recovery days for many first-team players. However, despite his impressive form, Manchester United is taking a cautious approach to his development, ruling out an immediate first-team debut. Obi Martin joined the club this season after spending two years at Arsenal’s youth setup, and the focus remains on nurturing his potential.

Amorim’s Attacking Dilemma

While Obi Martin’s rise offers a glimmer of hope, Ruben Amorim continues to face challenges with his senior team’s attacking options. The Red Devils have endured a rocky start under the Portuguese manager, who took charge two months ago. With seven defeats under his tenure, United’s January transfer plans are uncertain, as player departures are needed to fund new signings.

Key players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are rumored to be potential exits in the coming weeks as the club’s owners, INEOS, adopt a more conservative financial approach.

Striker Rasmus Højlund, who joined for £70 million, has struggled to deliver in the Premier League. With just two goals in 17 league appearances, the Danish forward’s confidence appears to have taken a hit. Amorim, however, has defended his player, emphasizing that the team’s offensive struggles are not solely Højlund’s fault.

“It’s a Team Issue,” Says Amorim

“It’s a collective problem,” Amorim explained. “You can see it’s been an issue for a while, not just this season. We lack goals and a real attacking threat. When you don’t pose a danger to your opponents, they press higher, and it disrupts our entire system. Everything is connected.”

Amorim remains optimistic about Højlund’s ability to turn things around. “When we started this journey, Rasmus was consistently scoring. He can find that rhythm again—it’s only a matter of time,” he added.

Key Fixtures Ahead

United face a crucial Europa League showdown against Rangers on Thursday night before traveling to Fulham for a Sunday evening clash. Sitting 13th in the Premier League, Amorim has openly admitted that this season’s results may rank among the worst in the club’s storied history.

As pressure mounts, Amorim will hope for improved performances across the squad while keeping a close eye on Obi Martin’s progress—a player who could one day help reshape United’s future.

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly favoring a move to Chelsea over Napoli, according to sources in Argentina.

Napoli recently had a bid for Garnacho turned down, with United initially setting a steep £70 million price tag for the 20-year-old talent. However, Chelsea has also entered the race, with the player’s agents spotted at Stamford Bridge on Monday night during Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Wolves, sparking further speculation.

Discussions between Manchester United and Napoli continued on Tuesday, with Italian outlets reporting that United has now lowered Garnacho’s asking price to €65 million (£54.8 million). Despite Napoli’s continued interest, reports from TyC Sports suggest Garnacho prefers to stay in the Premier League, though Chelsea has yet to formalize an official bid.

The Argentine winger has not yet made a final decision about his future. His next steps will largely depend on whether Chelsea decides to act on their interest before the January transfer window closes.

Chelsea is also evaluating other options to bolster their attacking lineup. They have shown interest in Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, but the German club remains firm in their stance not to sell the 19-year-old, who has only logged 332 minutes across all competitions this season. Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens is another potential target, but Chelsea faces competition from Bayern Munich. Dortmund is also in a strong position to negotiate, as Gittens is under contract until 2028.

Meanwhile, Manchester United has its sights set on strengthening their squad. On Tuesday, the club held discussions with Lecce over their 20-year-old left-back Patrick Dorgu. United’s initial proposal of €30 million (£25.3 million), with an additional €5 million (£4.2 million) in potential bonuses, was turned down by Lecce. The Italian side prefers to retain Dorgu until the season’s end.

Napoli has also expressed interest in Dorgu, reportedly considering a deal that would allow the Denmark international to stay on loan at Lecce for the remainder of the campaign.