Arsenal face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in Saturday’s Premier League encounter.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta was asked several questions by the media.
Declan Rice’s form was among those. Arteta said that Rice has been ‘super consistent’ and playing at a high level during the ongoing season.
The Spanish tactician added that he has been growing into his role in a really ‘organic way’, and he needs to maintain his ‘exceptional’ run of form.
Arteta said (via Arsenal.com): “He’s been super consistent and playing at such a high level.
“Now we see him impacting the games in various ways, in different areas of the pitch, in different phases of the game, and this is exactly what we want.
“I think his role is growing at the club, in the team, naturally as well in a really organic way, and he needs to maintain that because he’s been exceptional.”
Rice made 17 goal contributions during his debut season at Arsenal, followed by 19 last campaign.
The 26-year-old has seven goal involvements this term. The onus should be on bettering his tally, which could in turn boost the club’s prospects of winning silverware.
Rice had a different midfield partner in Christian Norgaard against Slavia in midweek as Martin Zubimendi was serving a one-game European suspension.
Zubimendi is expected to be reinstated in the number six position. Alongside him, there could be two more changes for the Wearside clash tomorrow.
Riccardo Calafiori has been almost ever-present at left-back in the Premier League. The Italian ace is poised to retain his spot ahead of Piero Hincapie.
The other change could be in the final third. Ethan Nwaneri barely impressed in the number 10 position on Tuesday. Eberechi Eze looks set to replace him.
A win at the Stadium of Light would extend Arsenal’s gap over Manchester City and Liverpool to nine and 10 points respectively before they face each other on Sunday.
A draw at the Etihad Stadium would be the perfect outcome before the international break.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com