Arsenal news round-up ahead of the Gunners' Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, as Mikel Arteta and Declan Rice attract attention
Declan Rice
Declan Rice is central to Arsenal's title hopes(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal’s focus has returned to the Champions League following Saturday’s Premier League clash at Fulham. The Gunners are already well placed to advance to the knockout stage after winning both of their European fixtures so far against Athletic Club and Olympiacos.
Vieira hails 'complete' midfielder
Odegaard’s injury has piled more responsibility on Rice, but the midfielder appears to have taken up the challenge with both hands. Among those impressed by Rice’s continued excellence is Gunners legend Patrick Vieira, who has labelled the England man a “complete midfielder.”
The France great told The Sun: “I’m a big fan of Rice. He’s a complete midfielder. When I watch him, I see he’s got this kind of mobility. He can go forward. He can win the ball, he’s really powerful and one of the best around.”
Vieira hailed the way Rice leads by example. He added: “When I was at Arsenal, you had Tony Adams, who was the heart of Arsenal. He was really vocal, really impressive.
“I was different. I was more reserved. So there is a different type and profile of leadership of heart.
“That style is different from Declan. But at the same time, he’s so technical, so elegant. He shows the same leadership but in his own way.”
Bold praise for Arteta
Despite his shortage of trophies since becoming Gunners boss, Arteta has been dubbed a title-winning manager in waiting. Arsenal have been Premier League runners-up in the last three seasons but look better placed than ever to go one step further this term, thanks to their impressive strength in depth.
That high praise has come from former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, who has been impressed by the way the Spaniard has turned the Gunners into contenders for top honours.
The Match of the Day and talkSPORT pundit told BetWright: “Mikel Arteta is a Premier League-winning-calibre manager. The progression at Arsenal has been exceptional, and they’re getting really close to a title now, even though it’s taken a bit longer than what some fans would’ve wanted.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta deserves to lead Arsenal to the title, according to Danny Murphy
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“There’s been some frustration in the last few years as they’ve been so close, but have had nothing to show for it. The transformation is clear though; you can see what Arteta is trying to do, they’ve got great structure and are very organised.”
Arteta’s only major trophy is the FA Cup in 2020 but Murphy believes criticism of his reign is harsh. He said: “Arteta has been unlucky in that, two seasons ago, they would’ve won the league in most years had it not been for Manchester City. I thought the recent criticism on Arteta was unfair. I admire his forthright, single-minded ambition.
“The issue that managers face is, at big clubs, you’re judged by trophies won. If you look past the trophies, Arsenal have improved every season. The levels they’re playing at are at the highest we’ve seen for a long time. The difference this year is that they now have the squad depth to do it.”
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