Arteta comments on Declan Rice’s performance
Mikel Arteta was pleased with the Premier League debut of Declan Rice in Arsenal colours stating he was “really pleased” for what the Englishman has brought in the team, both on and off the pitch.
The 24-year-old is the most expensive player to ever don the iconic red and white jersey of the North London side. And the burden that comes with it is only obvious.
However, in his outing against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the former West Ham man did not show sign of any nerves.
Declan Rice Premier League debut for Arsenal vs Nottingham forest
💫 pic.twitter.com/Or8oVmyJed— Gunners (@Gunners4forever) August 12, 2023
He looked as comfortable on the pitch as the fan-favourite and prodigy Bukayo Saka. It will be interesting to see the growing chemistry of Rice and his other teammates as the season progresses.
As the Gunners started on a winning note, manager Mikel Arteta reflected on the game and mentioned what the England international has added to his team.
“He’s very natural. As you’ve seen today, I don’t know if it was after two minutes or 10, the way he’s moving, the way he’s coaching, the way he has integrated into that dressing room, I think he’s enjoying the position as well.”
😍 Declan Rice signing along to @LouisDunford’s North London Forever. ❤️ #afc pic.twitter.com/j6zrnwmdEb
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) August 12, 2023
The Boss continued, “He probably should have scored two goals today, so more of the same. He’s not thinking, he’s just acting, and I’m really pleased with what he’s done.”
Even though there will be more difficult games on the road, fans will be pleased that Rice was able to complete his debut with flying colours.
Writer – Yash Bisht
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Loving the guy already, could’ve scored three crackers yesterday.he should keep this up and we have another goal threat as well as an additional defence marshall.COYG!!!
The moment i talked about where he was singing along to the fans’ song at the emirates yesterday is on Daily Canon for whoever cares to see lol.
Rice did well but the most impressive performer of the weekend matches was Bissouma against Brentford.Disappointed last season, but now seems back to his Brighton best.
@Grandad i bet enzo fernandez’s performance against liverpool overshadows bissouma’s, he even won the MOTM.dude literally bossed it.
He is a bad ass. I observed some stament! On he’s not good enough to be called world class. I would take that bet.
I was watching DR conjoling and encouraging during the game and backing it up with his own performance… an excellent performance.
I noted how Havertz was selected for the usual “scapegoat” player, but some of his recovery play was just as good as that of Rice… and before anyone cites the missed chances he had, so did Rice and Saka.
Until Timber’s injury, the defence looked excellent and that’s why we faltered in the second half, we had no natural left footed defender to replace him… Kieren Tierney anyone?!?!
But the goal that we considered was from the right wing (with a fast break) .. was more a mistake by white in his positioning
Sorry, conceded (not considered)
Rice should not confine himself to be a DM.😒
He is too Young for such.
@24years, the likes of Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, Paul Scholes, even Alex Song had learned the Art of moving up the Pitch and being an All round Midfielder.
Rice doesn’t seem interested in Moving the Ball forward to the Opponent’s post or becoming a Goal threat.😕
He is too Static and needs to improve his Game.
Declan Rice has the best interception when it comes to timing have seen in the league thus far.
This single trait could be massive for Arsenal.
His performance was encouraging. He brought steel and assurance to the midfield and Partey seems more confident playing with him. As his confidence grows, he will put more offensive passes and drives purposely towards the goal.
All I know is Rice is more than capable of replacing xhaka