Rice’s relentless running, pin-point set pieces and tireless tackling have been pivotal
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Declan Rice celebrated Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph with an Instagram post calling back to his now famous line at the end of the Gunners’ April defeat by Manchester City.
Rice was pictured saying “it’s not over” to his captain Martin Odegaard at full-time in the 2-1 defeat which swung title-race momentum in favour of reigning champions City.
The moment of defiance was both hailed and mocked on social media, but Rice was proved right as the Gunners sealed their first Premier League title for 22 years following Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw between City and Bournemouth.
He posted: “I told you all… it’s done.”
Arsenal players had gathered at their London Colney training base to watch the Bournemouth game, and the full-time whistle at the Vitality Stadium brought wild celebrations from players and staff.
Meanwhile, thousands of Arsenal fans rushed to the Emirates Stadium to celebrate on the concourses outside the north London ground, singing and setting off fireworks.
Rice’s relentless running, pin-point set pieces and tireless tackling have been pivotal and have fully justified the record £105m the club spent on him in 2023.
Declan Rice has been instrumental in Arsenal’s glory
Declan Rice has been instrumental in Arsenal’s glory (Reuters)
Statistically, his influence has been immense. He has played in all but one of Arsenal’s league matches this season, scoring four goals, providing five assists and completing well over 2,100 passes with a near 90 per cent success rate.
Defensively, he has been perhaps even more crucial. His 70 tackles and 37 interceptions have combined with equally superb performances from teammates David Raya in goal and centre back pairing Gabriel and William Saliba, to make the Arsenal defence the meanest in the league.
Manager Mikel Arteta was asked in January, after Rice had scored a crucial brace in a tight 3-2 away win against Bournemouth, whether he thought Rice’s attributes made him one of the best midfielders in the world.
“For me yes,” Arteta replied immediately. “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.”
Arsenal will play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday where they will receive the trophy, before turning their attentions to next weekend’s Champions League final against PSG.
additional reporting by Reuters