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Arsenal are aiming to win the Premier League title this season under the guidance of Mikel Arteta
Arsenal won 4-1 away at Portsmouth last time out in the third round of the FA Cup. Gabriel Martinelli bagged a hat-trick at Fratton Park, whilst Andre Dozzell scored an own goal. The Gunners are back in action on Wednesday against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
The London outfit remain top of the Premier League table after 21 fixtures. They are battling it out with Manchester City and Aston Villa for top spot. Mikel Arteta’s side have fallen short over recent seasons and are praying that this is finally their year.
Arsenal star Declan Rice hailed by Roy Keane
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been labelled as a ‘top player’ by pundit Roy Keane. The ex-Manchester United man believes Rice is one of the best in his position in the world at the moment. Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said: “He seems a pretty humble guy but he’s also got a bit of confidence about him, you need a little bit of an ego to play for a big club. You look at his career and he obviously did a brilliant job for West Ham and now at Arsenal he’s surrounded by better players.
“His role has changed a bit, he’s getting forward a lot more. We always thought he had goals in him because his technique is that good and he’s a smart player. Is he one of the top players in the world now? I do think he is, given what he’s doing at Arsenal and of course with England as well. A lot of plaudits to Declan, I think he’s a top player and makes the players around him better as well.”
When asked if he thinks Rice is one of the best midfielders right now, Arteta said: “Yes, for me yes. For me the ones that we have are the best. Declan is constantly adding things to his game. He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team. I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve. He’s such a pivotal player for us.”
Arsenal ace Declan Rice catching the eye
Arsenal signed Rice back in 2023 to boost their midfield department. He has since become one of their most prized assets in the middle of the park. The England international, who has 72 caps to his name, has made 131 appearances in all competitions to date, 28 of which have come this term, and he has scored 20 goals.
The ex-Chelsea academy man was on the books at West Ham before his switch to the Emirates Stadium. He rose up through their ranks and was a regular at various different youth levels. The London-born man went on to play 245 matches for the Hammers altogether and found the net on 15 occasions before heading out the exit door.
Arsenal will be hoping Rice can maintain his consistency over the coming months. He has turned out to be a huge signing for the Gunners over the past couple of years. He is under contract with them until 2028.
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