Paul Merson got a laugh out of his Sky Sports colleagues while dubbing Arsenal's 3-0 triumph "the greatest night at the Emirates" as they dominated Real Madrid. The laughter from his peers wasn't just due to the lavish praise he heaped on the victory, but also his animated response to Declan Rice's standout performance in the Champions League tie.

Rice, 26, executed two sublime free-kicks to secure the Gunners' first win against Los Blancos in almost two decades. And the pivotal first-leg result has edged Arsenal closer to their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.

After netting 99 times in 423 games for Arsenal, Merson is an educated mind when it comes to ranking the win among the most memorable in the club's history. And he believes Tuesday's victory over the current European champions was the pinnacle since Arsenal's move to the Emirates in 2006.

"It's got to be. It's got to be," said the club legend on Sky Sports (via The Mirror). "He's never, ever scored a free-kick in his life. Ever. Well, since being professional. I don't know if he got one when he was 10."

Sky microphones then caught the sound of at least one off-camera colleague chuckling at Merson's amendment. But the higher pitch of the laughter hinted either Steve Sidwell or Sue Smith might have been behind the reaction.

Merson, 57, maintained his admiration for Rice’s spectacular set-piece mastery without a moment's hesitation. And the pair of set-piece striker were all the more impressive given the calibre of the keeper opposite him.

"The two [free-kicks] are just unbelievable," he continued. "The one, he's bent – it's got to be about three yards outside the post, whips back in.

"And the other one – [Thibaut] Courtois is over that side, and he puts it in the top corner and hits the side netting when it goes in. That's how good a goal it was."

Mikel Merino's contribution wasn't forgotten as Merson also praised the quality of Arsenal's third goal, which looked deceptively simple. Arsenal fans have witnessed many a memorable victory at the Emirates – think the 5-0 rout of Chelsea last year, annihilating Newcastle 7-3 in 2012, or a 5-0 thrashing of Burnley in Arsene Wenger's last game.

Declan Rice celebrates during Arsenal's win at home to Real Madrid
Rice's rouble against Real Madrid marked his most iconic moment in an Arsenal shirt

Yet Merson suggested triumphing so impressively over Carlo Ancelotti's Real, with the addition of two outstanding goals, eclipses each of those. And it's difficult to disagree.

In the midst of appreciating such majestic moments, Merson still found a way to inject some humour into the conversation. However, it's only half-time for the Gunners in this epic clash, with a colossal return fixture lined up next Wednesday in Madrid.

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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023

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