In round 24 of the Premier League, Arsenal faced Man City at home. Taking advantage of their slightly better form this season, the Gunners destroyed their opponents with a score of 5-1. With this victory, Arteta and his team temporarily reduced the gap with the top team Liverpool to 6 points.
Declan Rice was the most impressive player of the match. Against Man City, he did not score but made 2 assists for his teammates to score. In addition, the England star also contributed positively to the overall play.
After the match, pundit Jamie Carragher compared Declan Rice to Premier League legends: "Sometimes I feel like I'm one of Declan Rice's biggest supporters. It's hard to understand why people criticise him and demand that Rice score more goals or make more assists.
Look at the way Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit played in midfield at Arsenal. They were two of the greatest midfielders in the Premier League. But no one ever complained about the number of goals and assists they scored. For me, Rice is that kind of complete midfielder. He has a bit of a Roy Keane-like quality.”
At Arsenal, Declan Rice plays as the number 8, with an attacking role. However, Jamie Carragher asserts that the 26-year-old midfielder is very versatile.
"He said he was playing as a No.8 and a little bit higher. But I see Rice as a midfielder in a 4-4-2 and can do everything.
I think he's a fantastic player, his passing range is underrated. Not only that, he's got the ability to put pressure on opponents, with great tackling ability and strength" - Jamie Carragher said.
