‘Complete player’: Michael Keown raves about Declan Rice after Bournemouth win
Arsenal legend Martin Keown heaped praise on Declan Rice following his man of the match performance against Bournemouth in the Premier League today.
The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table to four points following a 3-0 triumph over the Cherries. Their performance was not the best, but they managed to prevail with a victory.
Rice was undoubtedly the stand-out performer in the final third for Arsenal with a goal and an assist.
He provided some breathing space for the Gunners with a clever assist for Leandro Trossard’s goal in the 70th minute. Right at the end, Rice put the gloss on the result with the third Gunners goal.
Aside from his goal contributions, Rice had 65 touches with a passing accuracy of 90 per cent. He won three duels, completed two dribbles and created three key chances for his teammates.
Speaking after the game, Martin Keown was seriously impressed by the Gunners’ record signing. He said that Rice has been getting better with every game and added that he is the complete player now.
He told BBC Sport: “It was a little bit nervy that first half. Declan Rice, the superlatives for him.”
“He just keeps getting better. If ever a position or a club was ready-made for him, it is the Arsenal situation he finds himself in.
“He is the complete player now for Arsenal. This was called the promised land and it has taken nearly 20 years to get the atmosphere we have here.
“The unity between the fans and the players and I think Declan embodies that. I love the celebration. He is having himself for fun. Go and enjoy it.”
Rice has been a brilliant signing for the Gunners and he has improved his creativity since the turn of the year. The 25-year-old has now registered seven goals and 10 assists.
Against the Cherries, he was guilty of missing a clear-cut scoring chance in the opening half, but he made amends with a fantastic second half performance at the Emirates Stadium.
With the result, the Gunners have extended their gap at the top to four points, but Manchester City still have the advantage. They are only four points behind with two games in hand.
Arsenal will be hoping that City slip up in their four games left. The Gunners still need to win their remaining two fixtures against Manchester United and Everton to keep their title hopes alive.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
