Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice has already set about paying the North London side back with a stunning performance and match-winning moment in the 3-1 victory over Manchester United.
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Midfield Maestro Wins Game for Gunners with Player of the Match Performance
Declan Rice’s Instant Impact
Rice has hit the ground running since his big-money move to North London. His defensive solidity on his debut against Manchester City in the Community Shield helped guide his new team to the win. Since then his understanding of the Arteta system has allowed him to have a real influence on matches going forward.
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For the first time this season, the England midfielder made more passes in the opposition’s half than in his own with 35 out of his 64 successful passes being in United’s half. A constant theme throughout the match was his connection with Eddie Nketiah with the former West Ham man constantly looking to find the feet of his compatriot. His manager praised his ‘tremendous’ display and touched on how the 24-year-old dominated the midfield.
How Declan Rice Provides Attacking Threat
Nobody could doubt Rice’s defensive capabilities, but with the ever-present class of Thomas Partey operating in the holding midfield role for the Gunners for the majority of last season, many were left puzzled about where Rice would fit into this Arsenal system.
However, Arteta could not have had a clearer plan for his star signing with the Englishman operating in the holding midfield role alongside an inverted fullback.
🥁 Introducing our POTM from yesterday's dramatic victory…
🍚 Declan Rice pic.twitter.com/koY5bOuWOG
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 4, 2023
His ability to play intricate passes around the opposition box is something that Partey, who is wonderful at transitioning the ball, is less able to produce. Partey’s role in this Arsenal side is still unclear with the Ghanaian featuring predominately as an inverted right back. However, with Oleksandr Zinchenko now back to full fitness, Arteta will not play with two inverted full backs meaning he will have to look for another spot in the starting 11.
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The 30-year-old is unable to give the Gunners consistency however with constant injuries plaguing his career. Rice on the other hand has featured in all but one match in the Premier League over the past two seasons.
Player for Big Moments
Rice’s match-winning goal against Erik ten Hag’s men took the roof off, while also showing his ability to find the back of the net in key moments. The former West Ham captain led his old side to the UEFA Europa Conference League title ending the Hammers’ 43-year wait for major silverware.
The Arsenal man has also been a key part of Gareth Southgate’s England side being one of the first names on the team sheet starting every game in the delayed Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. He may only be 24 years old, but his display against the Red Devils showed all the experience that he has gained on both the international and European stages to date.
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