While the entire squad received plaudits, it was Rice who stole the headlines with a masterful performance in the engine room. The England international capped off his night with an effortlessly controlled strike into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute, effectively ending any hopes of a Leverkusen comeback. Merson was quick to identify the 27-year-old as the catalyst for the victory.
“What a goal. They were under pressure, Leverkusen. Some great defending from Jarell Quansah and then Viktor Gyokeres’ shot got blocked for a corner when he should have passed it to Saka. The corner gets cleared to Declan Rice, it’s coming out the air, he takes a touch… you think he’s going to shoot, he takes another touch and then whips it in the corner. It’s a phenomenal finish by Declan Rice and who, again, has been absolutely outstanding.”