Mikel Arteta mentioned Declan Rice “dominated the game” throughout Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Monday Night Football, whereas Jamie Carragher described the £105m midfielder’s efficiency as “outstanding”.
Rice has made a constructive impression following his club-record transfer from West Ham final month and produced a player-of-the-match show within the Gunners’ slim victory at Selhurst Park.
After beginning on the left of a midfield diamond in opposition to Nottingham Forest final weekend, the 24-year-old started in a single pivot for Arsenal’s journey throughout London and was key as his aspect defended with 10 gamers for the ultimate half-hour to safe three factors and a hard-fought clear sheet.
As nicely as shielding the again 4 and retaining possession, the England worldwide made a number of well-timed runs ahead and ought to have had a first-half help after setting Eddie Nketiah clear.
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Arsenal’s win in opposition to Crystal Palace within the Premier League
Speaking to Sky Sports about Rice’s efficiency after the sport, Arsenal boss Arteta mentioned: “I thought he was fantastic. He really dominated the game. To ask him to do something new, I thought he was fantastic.”
Sky Sports pundit Carragher added: “Declan Rice was the perfect participant on the pitch.
“I truly like him within the function he performed tonight greater than popping up between the traces. His preliminary place was to start out in that deeper place and drive ahead from it. I feel that’s the place he’s at his greatest.
“He has talked about learning from the manager, playing further forward, maybe playing in pockets. I don’t think it fully suits him but I really liked what I saw.
“It felt like all the pieces went by means of him. He was within the centre of the pitch, he was getting the ball, he was switching play – a few nice 50 to 60-yard passes.
“But also when he made that run, he slipped a little pass to Nketiah. He was the best player on the pitch. I thought he was outstanding.”
Rice needed to readjust a contact lens within the first half at Selhurst Park nevertheless it didn’t have an effect on his efficiency
Rice: I’ve realized a lot
Talking completely to Sky Sports in July, Rice defined how he’s “already seeing football in a completely different way” at Arsenal and reiterated that assertion to the Monday Night Football panel after the match.
“Against Nottingham Forest we played a diamond in midfield and I was on the left of the diamond and tonight I was the single pivot so I dropped back one spot,” Rice mentioned.
“But in the last four weeks I have learned so much, I am learning different ways of playing the position, constantly on the move, learning how we build up, learning how we play as a team.
“I’m actually attempting to check myself as a result of to play for Arsenal, to play on the high stage, that you must be among the finest and I’m wanting to continue learning and maintain flourishing.”
Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta was delighted along with his aspect’s tense 1-0 win at Selhurst Park and described Rice’s efficiency as ‘incredible’
Nev: Rice not but in identical class as Keane and Vieira
Speaking earlier than kick-off at Selhurst Park, Gary Neville mentioned Rice can not but be in comparison with Premier League legends Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.
“What I think he brings to Arsenal’s midfield is power, personality and physicality,” Neville mentioned. “[Michael] Essien brought that to Chelsea. That, for me, would be a better example of what I see him as.
“Essien was a superb participant, I assumed he was excellent, however he was the ability in there for 3 or 4 years. Personally, I would not put Rice within the class of Keane and Vieira.
“I just think they were so special and Declan isn’t anywhere near that level yet. For me, £105m, you want goals and assists too. But that’s the way the market has shifted.”
Follow the summer season switch window with Sky Sports
Who can be on the transfer this summer season forward of the switch window closing at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?
Keep updated with all the newest switch information and rumours in our devoted Transfer Centre weblog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You may also meet up with the ins, outs and evaluation on Sky Sports News.
Stream Premier League motion on Sky Sports with NOW for simply £26 a month for 12 months. Cancel anytime.
Discussion about this post