LONDON — When Arsenal announced their starting lineup before the Brentford game, making several changes with an eye on the upcoming match against Real Madrid, it was notable that Declan Rice was still in the team. Despite being deserving of rest after his recent efforts, Rice`s inclusion in the lineup was more than just about receiving applause from the home fans.
Earlier in the season, when Bukayo Saka got injured and Martin Odegaard`s performance dipped slightly from his high standards, Arsenal needed someone to step up and drive the team forward. Declan Rice has become that driving force. Whether he`s best as a defensive midfielder or an attacking midfielder is still debated, but his versatility is a major asset. With Arsenal`s attack facing challenges, Rice has proven he can contribute significantly in the attacking third.
Rice has not only filled Saka`s role but has also shaped Arsenal in his own dynamic style. Against Brentford, in a 1-1 draw, Arsenal`s attacking threats were evident, particularly with crosses from the right wing towards the far post. Set pieces also caused Brentford problems, with Rice nearly scoring directly from a corner, following his two free-kick goals against Real Madrid.
The opening goal showcased Rice`s incredible energy. He carried the ball from deep in Arsenal`s half, evaded a defender, held onto the ball just long enough for Thomas Partey to support, and Partey then scored past the goalkeeper. This solo counter-attacking move came just days after Rice had covered over six miles in a game and was playing with a foot issue. Arteta described it as an `unbelievable action`.
Arsenal doesn`t often rely on fast breaks in attack, as opponents usually play defensively against them. However, against Real Madrid, who might push forward more, there could be opportunities for counter-attacks. If spaces open up at the Bernabeu, Rice is expected to exploit them with his speed and drive.
Arteta wants to see more of these runs from Rice, depending on how the opposition plays. He mentioned that in the first half against Brentford, there were chances when they bypassed Brentford`s press, creating space for runs, like the set-piece situation that led to the goal.
At only 26, Rice seems to be constantly improving and revealing new aspects of his game. He`s now playing with a level of dynamism and skill that might have always been there, but is now being utilized more effectively in North London. His ball striking, in particular, has noticeably improved.
Rice has evolved into a complete midfielder, demonstrated by an increase in his touches inside the penalty area since Saka`s injury, along with improvements in expected goals, chances created, and forward runs with the ball. These are typically the statistics led by Saka when he is fit, and Rice has effectively taken on this responsibility.
Rice also mirrors Arsenal`s overall situation. While their attacking play was decent, there could have been more. Arsenal had 14 shots with an expected goals of 0.82 in this game, which isn`t very high. However, defensively, they limited Brentford to just three shots. Arsenal has held opponents to very low expected goals in seven Premier League games this season, yet they have only won three of those games, drawing four.
Brentford`s equalizing goal, a flick by Wissa from a cross, highlighted Arsenal`s defensive vulnerability in this match. To add to their challenges, Arsenal finished the game with 10 men after Jorginho had to be substituted due to injury, leaving no substitutions left. Such setbacks have been typical for Arsenal this season.
Despite these frustrations, the season can still be considered a success if Rice continues his current performance level, especially when Saka returns fully fit and Odegaard regains top form. Reducing the burden on Rice could unlock even greater potential for him and for Arsenal.
