Steven Gerrard hails ‘world-class’ Arsenal star after Bayern Munich draw

Steven Gerrard hailed ‘world-class’ Declan Rice after Arsenal’s entertaining 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Eberechi Eze fired Arsenal ahead midway through the first half after coming on for the injured Bukayo Saka.

Alphonso Davies equalised for Bayern following a brilliant Harry Kane pass before the England captain scored a penalty to put the hosts ahead.

Rice became the third England player to score on the night when he slotted home an 82nd-minute equaliser to maintain Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Champions League.

Gerrard praised the ‘character and mentality’ Arsenal showed after Bayern came from behind to lead and was particularly complimentary of Rice.

‘I did look at this game and think it was a wonderful opportunity for Arsenal to show why they’re Premier League champions and to go and win this game,’ Gerrard told TNT Sports.

‘Bayern were missing six or seven starters and the manager has been ill this week but credit to them because they played like men.

‘I think Arsenal would have really fancied this game and might have been rubbing their hands together in the dressing room, but Bayern stood up, played some wonderful football.

‘It would have been really unfair if Bayern had lost that, but then at the end it was Arsenal who needed to respond and they didn’t feel sorry for themselves.

‘They’ve come here in a tough environment and gone 2-1 behind but they stood up, found the solution and showed real character and mentality.’

Asked about Rice’s status in the game, following surprising criticism from Graeme Souness, Gerrard added: ‘Forget about that, Declan Rice is a world-class midfielder and that was a top, top goal.’

More to follow…