Declan Rice’s run to recover a ball from Bernardo Silva in Arsenal v Man City shocked Mikel Arteta
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice put in a top performance against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on Sunday.
The England international spent 81 minutes on the pitch before he was withdrawn for Eddie Nketiah as the Gunners chased an equaliser.
Rice made a brilliant recovery in the 66th minute, which left manager Mikel Arteta ‘shocked’, according to the Daily Telegraph journalist Sam Dean.
The Arsenal manager had thrown his arms up in frustration when Bernardo Silva received the ball in midfield following a clearance from the Gunners defence.
However, Rice dashed back having been out of position to nick it back from the Portuguese, with Arsenal fans cheering the action as if it were a goal.
The 24-year-old made all the difference yesterday, and Arsenal will be glad to have pipped Man City to his services earlier this summer.
Pep Guardiola was very keen on signing Rice and doing that would have been a massive advantage for his side ahead of their title defence.
However, the Gunners have a real chance to challenge them and others for the title given the huge quality the former West Ham United captain brings to the table.
It was on display yesterday, and that recovery spoke volumes given how Arteta and Arsenal fans reacted to it.
The Arsenal midfield was crying out for such a player last term and they could have won the title if they had him on the pitch.
They will now look to go one better this term, and all eyes will be on Arteta and his men.
Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz also impressed against the Premier League champions, and the Gunners have made the right additions to their squad so far this summer.
The North London club are also looking to add another goalkeeper to their ranks, with talk ongoing with Brentford for Spain international David Raya.
The 27-year-old was at Wembley Stadium yesterday to watch the game, and Aaron Ramsdale could be getting fierce competition for his starting berth soon.
Both Rice and Saliba took it in turn to mark Haaland out of the game. Kai won every aerial duel and just unlucky not to score, and Timba was running all over the pitch and never gave up the chase. Great purchases by Arteta to give Arsenal that much needed physical strength.