It was another successful weekend for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as they defeated Burnley 2-0, with one star proving his importance to the team.
Viktor Gyokeres ended his Arsenal goal drought before Declan Rice extended the Gunners’ lead to secure the three points.
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Mikel Arteta’s team have now moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League and look on course to win their first major title since 2020.
Arsenal have had some exceptional performers this season, including Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes, but there is another player who could be the most important.
Declan Rice applauds after Burnley vs Arsenal
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Declan Rice tops most stats in Arsenal’s win over Burnley
Declan Rice was elite in Arsenal’s win over Burnley and topped most of the statistics away at Turf Moor.
The midfielder was top for most touches, passes into the box, crosses, total carry distance, tackles, interceptions, duels won, and possession won.
There’s no doubting Gabriel’s importance in defence and Saka’s ability in attack, but Rice’s stats against Burnley highlight just how well-rounded he has become.
Not only does he offer great protection to the defence, but he also provides a strong link between the attack and the back four, which just makes him vitally important.
Rice and Moises Caicedo are vying for the best midfielder in the Premier League, but the Arsenal ace might just edge it, given his ability in the final third.
Ever since the arrival of Martin Zubimendi, the 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength in North London, having been given a greater freedom to attack.
In 15 appearances this season, the midfielder has two goals and four assists, with his delivery from set pieces becoming a key weapon in Arteta’s arsenal.
Following his latest goal at Burnley, Max Dowman called Rice ‘the best’, with the Gunners’ squad quickly appreciating his importance to the team.
Ashley Williams calls Declan Rice the ‘complete midfielder’
His performances certainly aren’t going under the radar, with Ashley Williams calling Rice the ‘complete midfielder’.
The former Swansea City defender told BBC MOTD: “He was excellent today. I thought he covered every blade of grass. Look at these stats from the Premier League game today; he ranks first in most stats. I like this one, because he’s such a good ball carrier, the total distance of ball carrying.
“As a centre-back myself, he would be perfect if he’s in front of you because he does all of the work you don’t really see. He picks up second balls. His set-piece delivery is so important to what Arsenal do; they score so many goals from that. He also chips in with goals like he did today.’
“It’s not an understatement to say that at the moment, he is a complete midfielder; he can attack and defend. I think he’s so integral to what Arsenal are trying to do; he embodies everything that the manager has built the team around.”