Declan Rice Unleashes Fury-Fueled Masterclass That Demolished Bournemouth
Declan Rice admitted he was "absolutely livid" about being sidelined for Arsenal's midweek triumph over Aston Villa and transformed that anger into a game-changing performance against Bournemouth on Saturday.
The dynamic England international was compelled to watch from the sidelines during Tuesday's commanding 4–1 victory over Unai Emery's championship contenders due to knee swelling. Rice rejoined training on Friday and through pure determination secured his place in the starting lineup for the journey to the coastal venue.
The comeback nearly turned sour for Rice, who witnessed Gabriel Magalhães catastrophically misdirect a pass directly to Bournemouth's Evanilson, allowing the hosts to take a shocking early lead within 10 minutes. Gabriel quickly corrected his error with a rapid equalizer before Rice assumed control of proceedings.
The relentless midfielder produced two virtually identical strikes to seize control from Bournemouth in the latter half. Constantly lurking near the penalty box during Arsenal's attacking moves, Rice was perfectly positioned by Martin Ødegaard and subsequently Bukayo Saka for a brace of precise shots into the lower corner.
It represented the ideal answer to his midweek frustration.
When questioned about missing the Villa clash by Arsenal's internal media following Saturday's encounter, Rice shut his eyes and slowly moved his head. "I was absolutely livid," he smiled wryly. "I attempted everything possible to participate but there was simply no sense in taking the risk. I ensured I was available for today which proved really beneficial."
"Missing that [Villa fixture] was irritating," he added, "to return today and assist the squad while netting twice, I believe the supporters will be delighted. And I'm pleased that I could contribute, because this group is extraordinary and if we're all working together, I'm confident positive outcomes will follow."
Rice made little effort to hide his week-long disappointment. "He was extremely upset about missing the Villa match," Arteta confirmed. "He desperately wanted to play, he attempted that morning, it wasn't remotely feasible. He wanted to train the following day, that wasn't possible either, until the last moment I questioned him: 'How do you feel?' He responded: 'I'm ready,' and he demonstrated he was completely committed."
Arteta: Rice Ranks Among the World's Elite Midfielders
Rice represents a captivating blend of work rate and skill. Arsenal's most effective tackler also provides their most dangerous attacking weapon through his dead-ball deliveries. No Premier League midfielder can rival his prolific forward runs with possession and now he appears to have developed an appetite for finding the net personally.
Considering this impressive portfolio, Arteta was questioned whether Rice ranked among the world's finest in his position. "Absolutely, in my opinion," the Arsenal manager confirmed.
"For me, our players are the elite and Declan continuously enhances his performance, continuously expands his team contribution and I can't see any limits because he can still develop in numerous aspects and he desires improvement. He represents such a crucial player for our squad."
'Believe Me'—Rice Redirects Attention From Himself to Unexpected Arsenal Colleague
While weekend focus naturally centered on Rice, the match hero directed praise toward an overlooked colleague: Viktor Gyökeres.
"It's challenging for him," Rice commented about the forward, whose open-play goal drought has extended to nine matches spanning over two months. "He faces two markers throughout the entire game, constantly pressured. So he must utilize his physical presence, he must do everything possible to support the team and regarding that goal [Rice's opener], without his run from Gabi's touch and his hold-up play, setting up Martin, that goal wouldn't materialize.
"That represented a crucial turning point for us to reverse the match momentum. I witness how powerfully he strikes the ball, and when opportunities present themselves and the ball reaches his feet for scoring chances, he will definitely convert.
"But currently, Premier League defenders are determined to neutralize Viktor Gyökeres, because he's among the world's premier strikers. Believe me, he's performing exceptionally for us, we wouldn't be in our current position without his contributions."