Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s main man on the touchline, once shared an intriguing anecdote about how he takes different paths to work every day to highlight the ever-changing nature of football matches.
Arsenal’s recent 3-1 triumph over Manchester United at their home turf, Emirates Stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with last-minute drama. However, there was one man who rose above the rest to become the poster boy of this nail-biting affair.
Arteta was responding to criticisms that he’s perhaps been a tad too intricate with the tactical approaches that initially propelled Arsenal into the limelight as serious title contenders last season. They had a promising run until Manchester City decided to rain on their parade during the final stretch.
There’s no debating that Declan Rice, pricetag at a cool £105 million from West Ham United, is the ace up Arteta’s sleeve. Rice was specifically brought in for days like this, moments like this—when the team felt cornered by an opponent as formidable as Manchester United. The almost-goal by United’s substitute Alejandro Garnacho, which was overturned by VAR, had everybody biting their nails until the end.
At 24, Rice was the wizard of the pitch, effortlessly stitching calm and order into a match that had both teams seemingly buckling under stress. He managed to make both Arteta and United’s manager Erik ten Hag reassess their coaching whiteboards.
When the clock ticked into added time, Rice sealed the deal. Left unmarked at the far post during a corner, he took a decisive shot that deflected off substitute Jonny Evans, leaving United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana stumped.
Gabriel Jesus then added the cherry on top with a solo goal, as a rattled United side scrambled to balance the scales.
And let’s not kid ourselves; Arsenal fans knew the hero of the hour was Rice. He proved that superstars turn up during the crunch moments.
The Emirates Stadium was lit with cheers that transitioned into a catchy chant—a new-and-improved rendition of Vanilla Ice’s ‘Ice Ice Baby,’ but all about Rice this time.
In post-match interviews, Rice was all smiles and said, “Playing for Arsenal is a massive deal. The expectations are sky-high but that’s what drives me. I’m here to learn, grow, and take the team to new heights.”
However, not everything was smooth sailing for Arsenal. Despite Rice’s brilliance, there was something amiss in the team’s overall fluency—a gap that they consistently filled last season. The introduction of Kai Havertz, a new £65 million signing from Chelsea, raised some eyebrows and plenty of questions. Havertz seemed invisible for much of the match, save for an early missed goal opportunity.
Even a second-half penalty, which was eventually revoked by VAR, couldn’t save Havertz from the increasing skepticism surrounding his role in this star-studded team.
Arteta may be sold on Havertz, but the jury’s still out on what exactly he adds to a team that already seemed well-oiled last season.
In contrast, Rice is in a league of his own. A £105 million tag usually carries its own burden of expectations, but Rice seems to wear it like a feather on his cap.
As for Manchester United, this match was a harsh reality check, despite an early lead from Marcus Rashford. They showed some promise with £72 million debutant Rasmus Hojlund, but injuries to key defenders Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez had them resorting to less preferred options like Harry Maguire and emergency signing Jonny Evans.
The stark contrast between the jubilant Arsenal supporters and the deflated United fans said it all. Rice had proved his worth, and there’s no doubt that his saga with the Gunners is just getting started.
Stay tuned for more updates on Arsenal, analysis, and the fan’s perspective. Don’t miss out on anything Arsenal-related; it’s always an adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Declan Rice
Who was the standout performer in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United?
Declan Rice was the standout performer, providing composure and order to the game and scoring a decisive goal.
What did the article imply about Kai Havertz’s role in the Arsenal team?
The article implies that Kai Havertz, a new £65 million signing from Chelsea, has yet to find his footing in the team. He was largely invisible during the match and his role in the squad is currently under scrutiny.
How much did Arsenal pay for Declan Rice?
Arsenal paid £105 million to acquire Declan Rice from West Ham United.
What was the final verdict of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) on Alejandro Garnacho’s goal?
The VAR ruled that Alejandro Garnacho had started his run just a fraction too early, disallowing what he thought was the winning goal for Manchester United in the 88th minute.
Who is the manager of Arsenal?
The current manager of Arsenal is Mikel Arteta.
How did Declan Rice contribute to the game?
Declan Rice made a decisive contribution deep into added time, scoring a crucial goal that helped seal Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United.
What was the fan reaction to Declan Rice’s performance?
The Arsenal fans erupted in cheers and even started a new chant for Rice, set to the tune of Vanilla Ice’s ‘Ice Ice Baby.’
Did any Manchester United players show promise despite the loss?
Rasmus Hojlund, a £72 million debutant, showed some promise for Manchester United, suggesting that he could be the physical presence the team has been missing.
How does the article suggest Declan Rice fits into Arsenal’s future plans?
The article suggests that Declan Rice is a game-changer for Arsenal and will play a significant role in their future, particularly in their quest for a championship run.
What is the focus of this article?
The focus of the article is on Declan Rice’s game-changing role in Arsenal’s win over Manchester United, with a secondary focus on questions surrounding new signing Kai Havertz.
More about Declan Rice
- Declan Rice’s Player Profile
- Arsenal’s 2023 Season Stats
- Manchester United vs Arsenal Match Report
- Premier League Transfer News
- Kai Havertz’s Career Highlights
- Mikel Arteta’s Coaching Philosophy
- Erik ten Hag’s Management Style
- VAR in Premier League Explained
- Vanilla Ice’s ‘Ice Ice Baby’ Lyrics
- Premier League 2023 Standings
10 comments
Seriously tho, Rice’s stats were off the charts. Makes you wonder why Man Utd didn’t go for him. Missed opportunity.
That new Rice chant is too good! Ice Ice baby, Genius!
Finally, a midfielder who can actually make a difference. Havertz tho, still not convinced about him, whats his role anyway?
Wow, Rice really showed up huh? 105 mil lookin like a bargain now, Arteta’s a genius!
Miss Rice so much, why did we sell him for only 105 mil? He’s worth way more than that.
Rice scoring felt like a plot twist in a Tarantino movie, didn’t see that comin lol.
gutted about the loss, but props to Rice. He’s a game changer. We need a player like that.
Rice is like the missing piece of the puzzle for Arsenal. But still, one player can’t win you the league. They better keep up the good form.
Arteta’s clearly been doing his homework. Rice fits into the system like a glove, unlike Havertz who still seems like a square peg in a round hole.
VAR was on Arsenal’s side this time, won’t be long before it turns on you. Just sayin.