CAPTAINS MATTER | DECLAN DELIVERS

Arsenal did it.

Semi-finals of the Champions League. Back to backs. First time in our 140-year history. We are the only English club to have made it this season.

Declan Rice, sick as of yesterday, dropped a magnificent performance that you could clearly see strained him. He was wearing the captain’s armband, why? Because the players demanded it.

‘They made a decision because I think Declan has earned the role, the way he is taking ownership in difficult moments.’

‘He’s a great leader.’

There are lines...