Gerrard urges Arteta to restore Eze and Saka for Arsenal's Champions League return; heaps praise on "immense" Rice

Steven Gerrard has made his case for changes to Arsenal's lineup ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg, urging Mikel Arteta to restore two key players to the starting XI following their cameos off the bench in Madrid.

Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring from the penalty spot after being brought down by Dávid Hancko in the box, with Julian Alvarez subsequently levelling matters from the spot himself following a Ben White handball. The tie was handed a late twist when referee Danny Makkelie reversed his decision to award Arsenal a third penalty for a Hancko challenge on Eberechi Eze, consulting his pitch-side monitor before changing his call.

Arsenal head back to the Emirates in a commanding position, but Gerrard believes Arteta should shuffle his pack and introduce Eze into the starting formation for the return fixture.

"I think in the second leg they've got to get Eze on the pitch," Gerrard told TNT Sports. "He gives them that little bit more spark, little bit more power. He just looks that little bit more dangerous to me."

Regarding Saka's involvement, Gerrard was equally emphatic about the need to deploy the winger from the off.

"He does for me," the former Liverpool captain replied. "You play your big-game players in the second leg. You can understand them wanting to change and freshen the energy up and change the squad about, but you play your biggest players in the second leg of a Champions League semi-final."

Declan Rice operated in an unfamiliar deeper position throughout the opening 90 minutes, regularly dropping between the centre-backs to provide additional cover during build-up play. Gerrard had nothing but admiration for the England midfielder's display, particularly in the opening period.

"I thought he was immense, especially in the first half," Gerrard explained. "He was dominant, in and out of possession, played a slightly different role, slightly deeper. I think he was asked to drop in between the centre halves just to give them the extra man in the build-up because they were pressing with two centre forwards.

"But I think out of possession, the way he regains the ball, the way he covers ground, he's some size and he's some profile. I thought it was an outstanding performance from him once again."