LONDON – Arsenal`s starting lineup against Brentford featured significant changes, hinting at their focus on the upcoming match against Real Madrid. Despite resting several key players, Declan Rice`s inclusion from the start was notable. Even after his recent heroic performances and heavy workload, Rice was deemed crucial for this game, much to the delight of the Emirates Stadium crowd during the team announcement.
Earlier in the season, when Bukayo Saka faced injury and Martin Odegaard`s form dipped slightly, Arsenal needed a player to step up and lead the team. Declan Rice has become that driving force. Whether he`s best described as a defensive midfielder or a dynamic box-to-box player remains open to interpretation, largely because he excels in both roles, adapting to the manager`s needs. With Arsenal`s attack facing challenges recently, Rice has demonstrably taken on more responsibility in the attacking third.
Rice`s impact extends beyond just covering for Saka`s absence; he`s shaping Arsenal`s playing style. Against Brentford, in a 1-1 draw where they could have secured more, Arsenal`s attacking intent was clear, particularly with dangerous crosses from the right flank towards the far post. Brentford struggled to defend set pieces, notably when Rice almost scored directly from a corner, reminiscent of his two free-kick goals against Real Madrid.
The game`s opening goal perfectly illustrated Rice`s incredible energy and drive. He surged forward from his own half, evaded a challenge, maintained possession, and then released Thomas Partey for a shot that led to the goal. This solo counter-attacking move came just days after Rice covered over six miles in a previous match and despite carrying a foot issue. Arteta described it as an `unbelievable action,` underscoring Rice`s importance.
Arsenal, typically facing deep-lying defenses, don`t often get opportunities for open attacks. However, the upcoming match against Real Madrid, who may need to commit players forward, could provide spaces for counter-attacks. If gaps appear at the Bernabeu, Rice`s ability to exploit them at full speed will be a key asset.
Arteta acknowledged this tactical flexibility, stating it depends on `the opposition behavior.` He highlighted how pressing teams can create spaces for counter-attacks, referencing the set-piece situation that led to their goal as an example of exploiting available space.
At just 26, Rice is constantly evolving and showcasing new dimensions to his game. While he possessed the ability for such runs and passes during his time at West Ham, he now utilizes them more frequently and effectively. His ball-striking technique has also noticeably improved since joining Arsenal.
Rice has evolved into a complete midfielder, demonstrated by an eight percent increase in touches inside the penalty area since Saka`s injury. He also shows significant increases in expected goals, chances created, and progressive carries – metrics typically dominated by Saka when fit. Rice has effectively filled this void.
Rice`s influence also mirrors a broader trend for Arsenal: strong offensive play, but perhaps lacking a cutting edge. In this game, Arsenal recorded 14 shots but only an expected goals (xG) value of 0.82. While often sufficient defensively, as Arsenal have held opponents to extremely low xG in seven Premier League games this season (averaging 1.61 xG for themselves in those games, yet with only three wins and four draws), converting chances remains a concern.
Brentford`s equalizing goal, a flicked finish by Wissa from a Kayode cross, exposed Arsenal`s defense. Adding to their challenges, Arsenal finished the game with 10 men after Jorginho`s injury, leaving Arteta with no further substitutions. Such setbacks have become a recurring theme for Arsenal this season.
Despite these frustrations, the season can still be considered a success if Rice maintains his current form, especially when Saka returns to full fitness and Odegaard regains his peak performance level. Reducing the burden on Rice could unlock even greater potential for both him and Arsenal moving forward.
