Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown praised Declan Rice following his man of the match performance against Bournemouth in the Premier League today.
The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table to four points following a 3-0 triumph over the Cherries. Their performance was not the best, but they still prevailed.
Rice was the standout performer in the final third for Arsenal with a goal and an assist.
He provided some breathing space for the Gunners with a clever assist for Leandro Trossard’s goal in the 70th minute. He put the gloss on the result with the third Gunners goal.
Aside from his goal contributions, Rice had 65 touches with a passing accuracy of 90 percent. He won three duels, completed two dribbles and created three key chances for his teammates.
Keown was seriously impressed by the Gunners’ record signing. He told BBC Sport: “It was a little bit nervy that first half. Declan Rice, the superlatives for him.
“He just keeps getting better. If ever a position or a club was ready-made for him, it is the Arsenal situation he finds himself in.
“He is the complete player now for Arsenal. This was called the promised land and it has taken nearly 20 years to get the atmosphere we have here.
“The unity between the fans and the players and I think Declan embodies that. I love the celebration. He is having himself for fun. Go and enjoy it.”
Rice has been a solid signing for the Gunners and has improved his creativity since the turn of the year. The 25-year-old has now bagged seven goals and ten assists.
He was guilty of missing a clear-cut scoring chance in the first half against Bournemouth but made amends with a fantastic performance after the break.
Arsenal need Manchester City to slip up in their final four games. The Gunners must win their remaining fixtures against Manchester United and Everton to keep their title hopes alive.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
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