Richard Keys demands Arsenal staff member be fired after noticing incident at end of Real Madrid victory.

Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys didn’t hold back in criticizing an Arsenal staff member following their 3-0 Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

The Gunners impressed with Declan Rice netting two stunning free-kicks and Mikel Merino adding a third, giving Arsenal a strong lead heading into the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Even Jude Bellingham praised Arsenal’s dominant display, while Mikel Arteta remained composed after the final whistle, urging his side to stay focused ahead of next week’s crucial clash in Madrid.

However, despite the commanding performance, Keys took issue with one particular figure on Arsenal’s coaching staff. Known for his blunt takes, the beIN Sports presenter expressed frustration over the club’s set-piece record.

“Brilliant night for The Gunners,” Keys posted on X. “I’m glad they didn’t overdo it at the end—you never know with Madrid. One other thing—if I employed a set-piece coach & we hadn’t scored direct from a FK since Sept 21 I’d be sacking him—not celebrating with him!”

His comment came after Arteta revealed that Rice’s opener was Arsenal’s first direct free-kick goal in nearly three years—since September 2021—and the first of Rice’s career in 338 appearances.

Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece coach, is often visible on the sidelines during dead-ball situations and was seen celebrating the goal. Still, despite Keys’ criticism, Arsenal have seen a noticeable improvement in goals from set plays this season.

Post-match, Rice joked about Jover taking credit for the goal, saying, “He’s claiming it, but he told me to cross it.” Arteta laughed off the exchange, adding, “He can claim it if he wants—it’s incredible.”