‘Football is becoming too easy for him’ – Pundit wowed by one Arsenal player
Arsenal bolstered their Premier League title chances by defeating West Ham United 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer believes that Arsenal can win the Premier League this season, despite the competition from defending champions Liverpool and an in-form Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s summer signings have enjoyed a strong impact in North London this season, but established fan favourites Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka scored for the Gunners against the Hammers.
Arsenal’s victory over West Ham leaves them top of the Premier League heading into October’s international break.
Declan Rice proves his worth as Arsenal defeat West Ham
Martin Odegaard suffered an injury during the Gunners’ clash with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, but Rice shone on an otherwise positive afternoon for Arteta’s midfield.
The England international has notched one goal and two assists in 10 appearances this season, as he vies to better last term’s career-best return of nine goals and 10 assists.
Having named the 26-year-old in his BBC Sport team of the week, Troy Deeney wrote: “Great goal for Arsenal against his old club. Gets his finish and drives the team forward but I think, and this is a compliment, that he can do more.
“Strange to say for someone worth £100million but it looks like football is starting to become too easy for him. Arsenal will need him not only in the Premier League but the Champions League as well. Excellent performance.”
Rice has now turned his attention to helping England in their upcoming clashes with Wales and Latvia.
Declan Rice continues to enjoy creative licence alongside Martin Zubimendi
Arteta utilised the summer transfer window to bolster his midfield, as Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard from Real Sociedad and Brentford, respectively.
| Declan Rice Premier League | Stats |
| Appearances | 7 |
| Duels won | 15 |
| Pass accuracy % | 91.5 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
Rice has progressively become a more attacking player since joining the North Londoners from West Ham in the summer of 2023.
His attacking exploits were epitomised when he scored two direct free-kicks for Arteta’s men during last season’s Champions League quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, the North London outfit’s decision to acquire Zubomendi, who offers defensive stability in midfield, has given Rice a licence to continue improving his attacking productivity.
As alluded to by Deeney, the England man can still offer more, while the fact that he has produced two goal contributions in his last two Premier League games outlines his progress.
Arsenal will need Rice at his best once again after the international break, when they face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League either side of London derbies with Fulham and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.