Declan Rice performance under scrutiny at Arsenal. Declan Rice, Arsenal’s £105 million star acquisition from West Ham in 2023, is under increasing pressure based on performance beginning to the 2025-26 campaign. Percentage-wise, these statistical matches show a significant slump in some important figures, causing worries amongst supporters.
A Statistical Dip in Form
In Arsenal’s opening three Premier League matches, Rice has yet to score. Although he has provided two assists—slightly ahead of his creative output from the previous season. However, a deeper look into his open-play contributions is less encouraging. All four of his chances created originated from set-pieces. His passes declined into the box from 6.3 per game vs. 5.1. Moreover, his successful passes into the final third came down from 16 to 6.5. More alarmingly, his defensive metrics have worsened, with reduced duel success and no tackles registered so far.
Fan and Analyst Concerns
This sluggish beginning has not gone unnoticed. Supporters and club observers have highlighted his difficulties in key games. The example lies in the tight victory at Manchester United, and defeat at Liverpool. He couldn’t assert himself in midfield and was uncharacteristically sloppy with set-piece delivery.
Tactical Adjustments and New Partnerships
There are a few variables that could account for this decline. The new presence of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad has shaken up midfield combinations. It is now demanding Rice to adjust to a different partnership and an altered position. Heat maps reveal he ground less in the opener vs Man United than same fixture last season, suggesting a tactical shift or adjustment period. Rice himself has been open about his need to do better, establishing ‘big demands’ for more goals and assists while stressing his box-to-box dedication under Mikel Arteta.
Adaptation, Not Decline
It’s too soon to say for sure. However, the general assumption is that Rice’s dip represents more of an adjustment period than a permanent slide. Moreover, with his demonstrated pedigree and an entire pre-season behind him, the England international should find his way back to influential best as he matures into his reinvigorated duties alongside Zubimendi.