Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Declan Rice after their 1-0 win over Everton in the Premier League. The Spaniard hailed the midfielder for his leadership and consistency throughout the year.
Speaking to the media after the win over Everton, Arteta said that Rice's ability to win the ball back and control the match for his side. He added the former West Ham United star has been a key player for him and said (via club website):
"Unbelievable, his all-round play, his leadership on the pitch, the amount of balls that he regained as well that allowed us to run; he has been incredibly consistent this year again, and what a massive player for us he is."
Talking about the hard fought win over Everton, Arteta said:
"Very happy with the result, with big parts of the performance against a team that's very difficult to beat, really well organised, they can really stretch you in the way they play. The game can become chaotic, we didn't allow that to happen except for one sequence of two corners and one throw-in after we kicked the ball out of play."
"In the second half, we had three massive chances to score a second goal or the third one, we didn't do it. You can suffer at the end, we didn't because we haven't conceded anything but overall the margins maybe could have been bigger."
Viktor Gyokeres scored the lone goal from the spot in the match to help Arsenal seal a 1-0 win and regain their place on top of the table after Manchester City overtook them for a few hours on Saturday, December 20.
Mikel Arteta delighted to have Arsenal on top for Christmas
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal's form so far this season has given him confidence about the squad. He added that they are enjoying their time on the pitch and said (via club website):
"What gives me belief and confidence is the level of performance and the consistency of that. That's very, very difficult to do in this league and that means that the team is constantly there. Enjoy the process of winning and you're going to have to go to difficult places, you're going to have difficult moments, we have dealt with a lot of things already and we are there. And what we're going to do is work for the next game, try to improve and make sure that everybody is with that spirit and energy and enjoying that."
Arsenal have been on top of the Premier League at Christmas on four occasions in the past - in the 2002-03, 2007-08, 2022-23, and 2023-24 seasons - and have never gone on to win the title.