Declan Rice earned huge praise from Mikel Arteta after producing a match-winning performance in Arsenal’s hard-fought 3-2 win over AFC Bournemouth. Rice scored twice in the second half to turn the game on its head and help Arsenal consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League table.
Arteta was unequivocal in his assessment, insisting that Rice is now among the best midfielders in world football. After the game, the Arsenal manager highlighted not only Rice’s decisive goals but also his continued development and growing importance in the team.
“Yes, for me,” Arteta said when asked if Rice was one of the best midfielders in the world.
“For me the ones we have are the best and Declan keeps adding things to his game, keeps adding things to his role in the team.
Arteta went on to emphasize that Rice’s development is far from complete.
“I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in many areas and he wants to improve,” he added.
“He is a key player for us.”
The game itself was anything but straightforward for Arsenal. Bournemouth struck first in the 10th minute when Gabriel Magalhes gifted Evanilson a simple finish with a free pass when David Raya was out of position. However, Gabriel quickly responded, scoring an equalizer six minutes later to put the visitors at ease.
Rice took control after the break. His first goal put Arsenal ahead before the second goal, finished off by Bukayo Saka’s cutback, looked to have sealed the game. Junior Kroupi’s superb long-range strike in the 76th minute set up a thrilling finale at the Vitality Stadium, but Arsenal showed resilience to see out victory and move six points clear of Manchester City at the summit.
Rice’s speech was particularly notable given that he missed Arsenal’s midweek win over Aston Villa with a knee problem. Arteta later revealed that the midfielder had sent the team a “big message” by making himself available and then putting in a man-of-the-match performance.
Since joining from West Ham United in 2023 for a club-record £105 million, Rice has continually transformed his game. Once seen primarily as a holding midfielder, the 26-year-old has flourished in a more advanced role, blending goals, leadership and control.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
January 4, 2026
