Declan Rice is proving to be a game-changer for Arsenal after they thrashed Bournemouth 3-0 on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side know that the Premier League title is still in the hands of Manchester City, but they did their job at the Emirates on Saturday to keep their hopes alive.

One man Arsenal can thank, not just for that result, but for their performances this season is their midfield machine.

There was a lot of pressure on Declan Rice’s shoulders when he secured a club-record transfer from West Ham United in the summer.

The 25-year-old hasn’t just performed well in this title-chasing team, but he has probably been his side’s best player and one of the best players across the division.

One area of Rice’s game that has improved is his performance in the attacking third – he assisted and scored against Bournemouth.

It also needs to be noted that he has become a bit of a set-piece expert because he is also taking corners now.

Throughout the season, he has seven goals and nine assists, with the player admitting after Saturday’s match that he prefers to assist than score.

But David Seaman was having none of that by adding that there is ‘no chance’ he feels that way, as he told Premier League Productions (04/05/24 at 2:40 pm).

Declan Rice assists and goals

“It’s fully deserved,” said Seaman about Rice’s goal against Bournemouth. “The game he has had today. He has been brilliant.

“I am still not having that he likes assists over goals though. No chance! He is making the run there and telling him where to put it. I thought he had gone too narrow. But it was past the goalkeeper, great finish and a great end to the game.”

Declan Rice – Premier League’s best player?

As of this moment, it could be argued that is the case because not many players are ahead of him, if anyone.

Phil Foden has been outstanding in Manchester City colours, whilst Ollie Watkins has 19 goals and 12 assists for Aston Villa, with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also chasing Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot.

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Whether Arsenal win the title or not this season, their fans are well aware that they have a player who can dominate the midfield for years and years now.

For years, fans were waiting for that Patrick Vieira-esque player to enter their building. Well, Rice has his chance to write a similar legacy.