Declan Rice responds to critics as Arsenal advance to semi finals in remarkable feat

Arsenal secured progression with a 1-0 aggregate scoreline due to Kai Havertzs late goal in Lisbon last week.

The North London club, which has yet to lift the Champions League trophy, exited in the semi finals against the eventual champions Paris Saint Germain last term.

They are set to meet Atletico Madrid in the semi finals, with the victors due to face either PSG or Bayern Munich in Budapest next month.

"To go back to back semi finals is an amazing achievement for this group," Rice said to TNT Sports. "We want to now go one step further than last year and get to the final."

However, a lacklustre draw at the Emirates offered scant preparation for Mikel Artetas side ahead of a pivotal Premier League showdown at Manchester City on Sunday.

Arsenal have claimed just one win from their most recent five outings across all competitions, a sequence that encompasses defeat in the League Cup final versus City and an FA Cup elimination by Championship outfit Southampton.

"Positivity all the way," added Rice. "Who cares what people think. All that matters is what this group thinks, what the manager thinks, and were in another semi final. Im delighted."

City sit six points adrift of Arsenal at the summit of the table, yet they hold a match in hand over the frontrunners and will enjoy home soil for this weekends fixture.

"Our record this year has been amazing in all competitions," said Rice.

"How much (do) you want it? I know Ill be ready, I know the boys will be ready, so lets go!"