BOURNEMOUTH, England — Mikel Arteta views each match as beginning with his pregame press conference. To prevent giving opponents any advantage, the Arsenal manager is often reticent about team news. In light of this, Declan Rice‘s pivotal role in Saturday’s 3-2 victory against AFC Bournemouth involved more than a day’s worth of preparation.
After missing Tuesday’s win over Aston Villa due to a swollen knee, Arteta remained ambiguous in Friday’s media session, leading many to doubt Rice’s availability for Saturday’s clash at the Vitality Stadium. However, not only did Rice start, but he also netted twice, crucially helping the Gunners extend their lead to six points at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal needed Rice’s presence. The team struggled with cohesion and were particularly careless with possession during a first half that saw Arteta visibly agitated on the touchline, culminating in an extended discussion with Bournemouth’s bench after Rice was subjected to an unpunished foul.
Gabriel Magalhães gifted Bournemouth the lead in the 10th minute with a wayward pass toward Evanilson near his own box. David Raya was out of position, leaving Evanilson with an easy chance to score.
Gabriel made amends shortly thereafter, equalizing with a well-placed left-foot shot just six minutes later. However, Arsenal still struggled to find their rhythm, as Bournemouth’s high press and attacking formation kept them on the back foot. They came out stronger after halftime, marking a crucial moment when Rice took charge.
Among players on the field, only Martín Zubimendi had more touches (90) or ball recoveries (12) than Rice’s 80 and 8, respectively. However, Rice’s impact in the attacking third was significant.
His first goal in the 54th minute was skillfully struck into the corner, as was his second in the 71st minute. Both goals highlighted the precise playmaking of Martin Ødegaard, who assisted the first and set up substitute Bukayo Saka for the second.
Although Arsenal appeared poised for an easy victory—especially against a team that hadn’t won since October 26—they have a knack for creating tension in matches. Junior Kroupi, who came off the bench, scored a long-range shot past Raya, but Bournemouth failed to produce another shot on target for the remainder of the match as Arsenal held on.
Throughout the second half, the chant of “Declan Rice in red and white, I like it,” set to the tune of KC & The Sunshine Band’s “That’s the Way (I Like It),” filled the stadium. This marked only the second time in Rice’s career he scored twice in a game, the first being in April when he astonished Real Madrid with two unforgettable free kicks.
Though it’s too soon to ascertain the significance of this win for Arsenal, who are striving for their first league title in 22 years, the Gunners, while not spectacular, are managing to stay ahead of the competition and maintain pressure on Manchester City.
During the preseason tour of Singapore, Rice mentioned his ambitions to impact matches more significantly. He aims for higher goals and assists while operating in the No. 8 role, moving from a No. 6 position he played predominantly before transferring from West Ham United for £105 million in 2023. In just 19 league matches this season, Rice has already matched his total goal count from the previous season.
While Rice did not disclose his other new targets, his progress is evident.
“I’ve experienced situations before where I scored once in a game and sought another goal without success, but now it has happened,” Rice stated. “We need everyone contributing at various times, so I’m pleased to help the team.”
Arteta was asked to comment on Rice’s ambitions and their origins.
“We sit down and establish goals together,” Arteta explained. “However, setting goals is not sufficient. You also need a plan to execute and achieve them.
“He consistently meets expectations in everything we ask of him and everything he desires to do. That’s what makes the difference. First and foremost, he possesses the ability and quality to achieve his goals, but the consistency is vital. He delivers that every day, and that’s reflected in his performance.”
Although Manchester City failed to secure Rice’s services, they are now close to signing Antoine Semenyo, who featured in this match despite a reported imminent £65 million transfer north. Semenyo had little impact on the game; if this was his unofficial debut for City amidst the title race, it will likely be quickly forgotten, as the spotlight turned toward Gabriel’s resilience in addition to Rice’s exceptional performance.
“I was impressed today by the team’s evolution in terms of individual personality and presence,” Arteta remarked. “Gabriel Magalhães’s reaction after conceding a goal was remarkable, as was the energy he displayed afterwards—and then there’s Declan.
“It was crucial that every hour counted for him to be available. We weren’t sure how long he could last, but his competitive spirit, his overall play, and scoring two goals was outstanding and sent a strong message to the team.”
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola expressed frustration with referee Chris Kavanagh for awarding a free kick leading to Arsenal’s third goal and for blowing the whistle as Semenyo was about to deliver a cross from a threatening position.
To return to where we began, during Arteta’s press conference, a question emerged: Is Rice now one of the best midfielders in the world?
“Absolutely,” Arteta answered. “I believe the players we have are the best, and Declan is continually enhancing his game and his role within the team. I see no limits to his potential because he is eager to improve. He is crucial for us.”
Of course, he can say that now.