Arsenal registered a comfortable 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League yesterday.
There were several standout performers, and manager Mikel Arteta was clearly delighted with the result.
Declan Rice was handed the man of the match for his all-round showing and shortly after the game, the Englishman posted on Instagram with the award.
Gabriel Magalhaes quickly praised the Englishman as a ‘machine’, while Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash described Rice as a ‘beast’ after his splendid display.
Here are screenshots
The 26-year-old was not at his best during the opening half against Bayern at the Emirates Stadium, but he stepped up in the second half, not for the first time this season.
Statistically, Rice may have won only two duels last night, but he was brilliant on and off the ball. The midfielder made five ball recoveries with two clearances, one tackle and one interception.
His interception came in the lead-up to Noni Madueke’s goal. Riccardo Calafiori took possession from Rice before putting the ball on the plate for the winger to score.
Rice also excelled with his tremendous work rate and high pressing. He made a sensational solo run at 1-1, but Manuel Neuer came up with a world-class save to deny him.
Yesterday’s win has sent Arsenal to the top of the league phase of the Champions League. They are now three points ahead of Paris Saint-Germain with a better goal difference.
The club’s immediate focus will turn to the Premier League derby against Chelsea on the road on Sunday.
Arsenal are six points ahead at the top of the league standings, and have an opportunity to extend their advantage by beating their London counterparts at Stamford Bridge.
Rice and Martin Zubimendi will be crucial to any outcome. They have a central midfield battle on their hands against Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez or Reece James.
The midfield proceedings could dictate which team has the upper hand this weekend.
Stats from Sofascore.com