Declan Rice started life atArsenalin impressive fashion this weekєɴԀ with a fine all-round performance against Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder played the whole 90 minutes inMikel Arteta side’s 2-1 victory. Rice partnered Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz in a midfield three, putting in a commanding display in his competitive debut for the club.
Alongside his pulsating qualities in the middle of the park – completing 92 per cent of his passes and coming close to scoring on two occasions -Ricewas also on hand to show some much-welcomed leadership in the closing stages of the game. An attribute that impressed Arteta.
“It’s very natural,” he said. “You’ve seen him today, I don’t know if it was after two minutes or after 10, but the way he’s moving, the way he’s coaching and integrating in that dressing room I think he’s enjoying the position.
“He should have scored probably two goals today. So more of the same. He’s not thinking, he’s just acting and I’m really pleased with what he’s done.”
Rice was one of three players making their first Premier League appearance in their new colours.Havertz and Jurrien Timber were named in the starting XI against Forest, though the latter was forced off early in the second half after receiving treatment on his knee.
For many in football, the transfer business completed byEdu Gasparthis summer has been some of the best in Europe. David Raya’s imminent move from Brentford will mean the Gunners have added to every area of Arteta’s squad.
And following last season’s business that saw the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Oleksandr Zinchenko move to north London, there is a clear transfer policy in place that is reaping the rewards on the pitch.
However, back in 2021, the strategy in the market was heavily criticised. On this day in 2021 (August 13),Arsenal opened the Premier League season with a 2-0 loss at newly-promoted Brentford, a forgettable night for everyone associated with the club. Of the 11 that started that game, only two players were selected by Arteta versus Forest – Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli.
And after the game,Gary Nevilledid not hold back on his criticism of the club. “I don’t know the ρłɑɴ at Arsenal,” he said. “The recruitment has been really poor. They’re poor at it compared to other clubs, they just are. They’ve been poor in the last few years. I don’t get the strategy or direction of how they’re taking the team.”
Neville’s words were echoed across the fanbase and concerns only increased after back-to-back defeats to Chelsea and Manchester City. However, the fortunes at the Emirates Stadium have changed and Rice’s signing is another example of the club returning to the pinnacle of English football.
Signed for £105million in July, Arsenal fєɴԀed off competition from Manchester City and Chelsea to bring the England midfielder to the club. And if there was any lurking uncertainty over the Gunners’ policy in the market ahead of this summer, there won’t be for much longer.
