Declan Rice sends ‘big’ message to Arsenal fans after suffering injury

Thu 2 January 2025 10:13, UK

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has taken to social media to celebrate ‘starting the year right’ after their 3-1 Premier League win over Brentford on New Year’s Day (January 1).

The 25-year-old did not start due to injury but came off the bench for the last 12 minutes, replacing Mikel Merino, as Arsenal moved up to second, six points behind league leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.

In-form striker Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for the home side against the run of play in the 13th minute with his 11th league goal of the season.

Gabriel Jesus continued his fine run of form, bagging the equaliser just 13 minutes later, sending both into the break on level footing.

Arsenal made a lightning start to the second half, going ahead through Mikel Merino in the 50th minute before Gabriel Martinelli secured all three points just three minutes later.

Declan Rice looking forward to 2025 as Arsenal start the new year with a bang

The defensive midfielder has been key for Mikel Arteta this season, starting 21 of his 23 games across all competitions, scoring two goals, and providing five assists in his 1764 minutes of action.

Rice took to Instagram to celebrate the win over Brentford after the game, saying: “Start the year right, big win. Time to lock in and keep pushing ourselves.”