Mikel Arteta has described Declan Rice as one of the finest midfielders in world football after the England international produced a sensational performance in Arsenal’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The midfielder overcame recent injury concerns to score twice and inspire the Gunners to another vital win, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points.
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The result further strengthened Arsenal’s title credentials. Still, the spotlight belonged firmly to Rice, whose influence, leadership, and decisive quality proved too much for a determined Bournemouth side that tested the league leaders throughout the contest.
Rice delivers decisive display on return from injury
Returning after a knee issue that had limited his training in the build-up, Rice wasted little time reminding everyone of his importance to Arteta’s side. Bournemouth struck first following an early defensive lapse, threatening to derail Arsenal’s momentum, but Rice ensured that the visitors did not lose control of the contest.
The midfielder took charge after the break, dictating the tempo and driving Arsenal forward with authority. His first goal arrived courtesy of a composed and accurate finish that restored belief, while his second — arriving from a Bukayo Saka cutback — sealed a crucial victory on the south coast.
Those goals marked Rice’s first Premier League brace and capped a dominant individual showing. Beyond finding the net, he led the match in tackles and passes during the opening half, underlining his influence at both ends of the pitch. When Arsenal needed composure and leadership, Rice provided it in abundance.
Arteta heaps praise on ‘world-class’ midfielder
Speaking after the final whistle, Arteta revealed the extent of Rice’s determination to feature despite fitness concerns. The Arsenal boss highlighted both his commitment and his match-winning contribution.
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“Declan wasn’t feeling great over the last few days, but he kept pushing to be involved,” Arteta explained. “He played 96 minutes, scored twice, and was one of the standout players on the pitch. That mentality is exactly what we need.”
When questioned on whether Rice belongs among the elite midfielders in global football, Arteta was unequivocal. “For me, absolutely,” he said. “He keeps adding layers to his game and his responsibility within the team. I don’t see a ceiling for him because he still wants to improve and knows he can.”
Arteta also reflected on the team’s response to adversity, particularly after conceding an early goal. He praised the reaction of his players and the unity shown on the pitch, emphasising the importance of squad depth and consistency during a demanding period of fixtures.
Rice highlights Arsenal’s mentality and momentum
Rice echoed his manager’s sentiments when speaking post-match, stressing the importance of resilience and collective effort in securing the win. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Bournemouth and the significance of grinding out results away from home.
“We knew how difficult this game was going to be,” Rice said. “Getting the three points in that way was massive for us. It showed the character of the team, especially how Gabriel responded after the mistake. That says a lot about our mentality.”
The midfielder also reflected on his personal contribution, admitting that previous opportunities to score multiple goals in a match had slipped away. This time, however, he made sure to capitalise.
“I’ve had games before where I scored once and wanted more, but it didn’t happen,” he added. “Now it is happening, and I’m happy to help the team whenever I can. Everyone will need to contribute at different times if we want to keep moving forward.”
Arsenal keep pace with historic title benchmarks
The victory continued Arsenal’s outstanding league campaign and further fuelled comparisons with the club’s legendary “Invincibles” side from the 2003–04 season. Despite already suffering two defeats this term, Arteta’s current squad has accumulated more points at the same stage than that title-winning team.
The Gunners have also found the net more frequently while conceding only one additional goal compared to their historic predecessors, highlighting the balance and consistency that have defined their season so far.
While Arteta remains cautious, stressing the importance of taking the season one game at a time, performances like Rice’s underline why Arsenal are being viewed as serious contenders. With momentum building and key players delivering on the biggest stages, belief within the squad continues to grow — even as the long road to the title remains ahead.
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