The Everton manager worked with Declan Rice at West Ham United and believes the 26-year-old English midfielder is now one of the most accomplished players in the game
Viktor Gyokeres celebrates with his teammates
Declan Rice put in another inspired performance in Arsenal's win at Everton
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(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
It was probably scant consolation to Everton fans but at least their manager was one half of a nice photo on social media, posted by the game’s outstanding player in their defeat by Arsenal. After his dominant performance in a drab contest at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Declan Rice took to Instagram to send out a dressing-room snap of himself and a beaming David Moyes, with a lovely caption.
“Forever grateful to this man!” Nice. In return, Moyes was suitably humble, playing down the significance of his role in Rice’s progress when the two worked together at West Ham United (in Moyes's stints, they were together there for a total of four years.)
“Declan developed himself,” said Moyes. “It was not down to me. Declan was always going to be a great player. Mikel’s made him into a real, real top player.
“He’s a great boy. More than anything, he’s a terrific boy. Because of that, it will give him a chance. A great player as well - lots of top attributes.”
And when assessing the performance of his own Tim Iroegbunam, Moyes paid Rice the ultimate compliment. The Everton manager said: "He (Iroegbunam) was up against probably the best midfielder in the world.”
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal looks on
Bukayo Saka insists Arsenal are keeping their focus sharp as Manchester City ramp up the title pressure
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(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Naturally, Mikel Arteta hinted at agreement, saying: “(Declan’s) unbelievable - his all-round play, his leadership on the pitch, the amount of balls that he regained that allowed us to run. He has been incredibly consistent this year again. What a massive player for us he is.”
Against a midfield shorn of Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, the chances of Rice shining in this game were always going to be great. And more than anyone else, Rice was the player who made sure Arsenal had the foundation for what was - despite its untidy nature - a statement win, of sorts.
This was the first time in over two months the Gunners had started a Premier League game in a position other than top. And while there was also a fortunate element to the victory - Jake O’Brien’s inexplicable first half handball allowing Viktor Gyokeres to seal matters from the penalty spot - Arteta’s men were very professional, very business-like.
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal celebrates scoring
Viktor Gyokeres scored the penalty that took Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League table
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(Image: Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Naturally, they were soon confronted with a reminder that this is the fifth time in the Premier League era that they have been top of the table at Christmas. On the previous four occasions, they have not gone on to win the title, finishing runners-up on three occasions and third on the other.
But there is a steeliness about this vintage that bodes well for the second half of the season, even though Manchester City are turning the pressure dial. In response to the win, there was certainly a businesslike attitude from Bukayo Saka.
“There are not really any emotions in it,” he said. “We take the emotions out. We just know we focus on our job.
Mikel Arteta following Arsenal's 1-0 win against Everton
Mikel Arteta was particularly impressed by the performance of Declan Rice at Hill Dickinson Stadium
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(Image: Getty Images)
"After last week, we focus on this week. We are back on top of the table but we are not watching City too much, or the other teams.
“We are in control now. We know if we win every week, we will stay there.”
Arsenal will not win every week, that is for sure. But if Rice stays fit, they will have what good judges such as Moyes believe is the best midfielder in the world at the heart of their challenge. And this time around, that is what could make the difference.
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