Rice 'stretches himself to limit' before another 'masterclass'
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed the mentality of Declan Rice after the midfielder, battling through injury, "stretched himself to the very limit" to score a crucial brace in a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth. The result sent the Gunners six points clear at the summit of the Premier League.
The 26-year-old England international, who missed Arsenal's previous fixture with a knee problem, was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up. He rewarded his manager's faith with a match-winning performance, netting twice for only the second time in his 375 senior club appearances—the first being a memorable free-kick double against Real Madrid last season.
"I have been in situations before where I have scored one in a game, wanted to score another and it hasn't happened - but now it has," Rice told the BBC post-match.
Arteta was effusive in his praise for the midfielder's determination and impact. "Declan Rice was struggling the last few days but pushed and pushed and pushed and made himself available," Arteta revealed. "He played 96 minutes, scored two goals and was one of the best players on the pitch. That is the mentality we need from all of us."
When pressed on whether Rice now ranks among the world's elite midfielders, the Arsenal boss was unequivocal. "For me, yes," Arteta stated. "Declan is constantly adding things to his game, and his role in the team, and I don't see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve."
The victory at the Vitality Stadium was a testament to both individual resilience and collective resolve, characteristics that have defined Arsenal's title challenge this season. Rice's willingness to play through pain and deliver a decisive performance underscores his vital importance to Arteta's project. His relentless drive mirrors the mentality the manager is instilling throughout his squad as they navigate the intense pressure of a title race.
The three points earned on the south coast represent a significant stride in the championship pursuit. With key players like Declan Rice demonstrating such leadership and quality, Arsenal's position at the top of the table looks increasingly formidable as the season enters its decisive phase.
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