‘Out of this world’ – Ally McCoist blown away by Arsenal star who was ‘infectious’ vs Bayern Munich
Ally McCoist gave a special mention to one Arsenal player who was outshone by the goalscorers against Bayern Munich.
Harry Kane was invisible as Bayern lost 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, 26 November, with goals coming from Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Lennart Karl had got the Bundesliga giants back onto level terms, with Myles Lewis-Skelly being blasted by fans as the only weak point, but it was nothing more than a consolation goal against the Gunners.
Both Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze grabbed assists, and while Declan Rice missed opportunities to add to the score, his display has not gone unnoticed, especially after winning the Player of the Match award.
Declan Rice praised for pushing Arsenal teammates vs Bayern Munich
Rice has been one of Arsenal’s most influential players this season, notching two goals and five assists in all competitions, leaving McCoist and Ainsley Harriott to drool over the England international.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (27 November, 8:43am), McCoist could not help but mention Rice, saying: “I was at the Emirates last night, and your boys are in top form, aren’t they?
“They got it spot-on with Madueke coming on, obviously Martinelli scored, I thought [Riccardo] Calafiori was fabulous, but I make no apology for bringing him up… Declan Rice in the second half was out of this world.”
Arsenal fan, Harriott, was in complete agreement, adding: “Just colossal. And I think that’s infectious, running around like that, putting so much energy and drive. It galvanises everyone.”
Rice’s performance in numbers as Arsenal take top spot
Mikel Arteta is under pressure to win silverware, and he took an important step towards that with victory against Bayern, moving three points clear at the top of the Champions League table.
In 90 minutes at the Emirates, Rice created three chances, one of them a big chance, had a shot on target, made six passes into the final third, and also won 100 per cent of his tackles [FotMob].
On paper, his performance might not seem that impressive, but against Vincent Kompany‘s pressing team, the midfielder was key to everything that Arteta’s side did on the night.
Alongside Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal have one of the strongest midfield partnerships, not just in the Premier League, but also clearly around Europe, and that could be key to Champions League success.